Speech & Language Teaching Assistant (Polegate School)

Job Description

Hours of work: 15 hours per week

Working pattern: Part-time, term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 6.05 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service)

(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Closing date: 26 November 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Polegate School
Polegate School, Oakleaf Dr, Polegate BN26 6PT

Phone: 01323 482404

Email: office@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk

Website: https://polegateschool.co.uk/

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Make a Difference Every Day

Polegate School is seeking a dedicated, caring and enthusiastic Speech and Language Teaching Assistant to join our committed SEND team. This is an exciting opportunity to support pupils with speech, language and communication needs, helping them to develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive both academically and socially.

Working closely with our SENCO, teaching staff, pupils, families and external professionals, you will play a key role in delivering targeted interventions and promoting communication skills across the school.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Work directly with children, families and staff as directed by the SENCO.

• Deliver and support speech, language and interaction interventions for individuals and groups.

• Monitor, record and report on children's progress using school systems.

• Carry out specific assessments and provide feedback to the SEND team.

• Prepare and develop resources to support speech and language programmes.

• Liaise with relevant agencies including Health, Education, Social Care and voluntary organisations.

• Arrange appointments and meetings with families and staff as required.

• Support classroom activities where appropriate, working alongside class teachers.

• Attend relevant training, supervision sessions and professional meetings.

• Contribute actively to SEND and Speech and Language meetings.

• Promote inclusive practice and support children's communication development throughout the school.
  

Essential Requirements

We are looking for someone who has:

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those with additional needs.

• Experience within a school environment or a similar setting.

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.

• A patient, flexible and nurturing approach.

• A strong commitment to inclusion and helping all children achieve their potential.
  

Safeguarding

Polegate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references and all other relevant pre-employment checks.

How to Apply

To request an application pack and full job description, please contact: Monika Bailey via the above email.

Join our dedicated team and help make a positive difference to the lives of our children every day. We look forward to hearing from you.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

About us

Additional Information
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.
All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.