Teaching Assistant (St Mary’s School)

Job Description

Hours of work: 30
Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only
(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Closing date: 12 noon Tuesday 03 November 2026

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

St Mary’s School
Maynards Green
Heathfield
East Sussex
TN38 9QU

Phone: 01323 691000
Email: Office.sm@sabden.org.uk
Website: www.sabden.org.uk

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

St Mary’s School

Teaching Assistant 3

Permanent - Term Time Only

30 hours per week

39 weeks worked per year, 46.2 weeks paid per year

(FTE Grade 4/SSP09-10 £26,017 to £26,428)

Pro-rata salary starting from £18,741 per annum

The SABDEN Multi Academy Trust, is an aspirational and supportive Trust, aiming to create a warm, caring, stable, supportive environment in which all staff and pupils feel safe. We are three special schools and we strive to discover success through learning, self-belief and achievement. Pupils are empowered to take responsibility through a personalised curriculum supported by secure systems.

St Mary’s School is seeking to recruit a number Teaching Assistant at level 3 to work across the whole school. The main responsibility of the post will be to support teachers in the delivery of the curriculum, both by directly working with pupils and assisting in preparation of resources. The ideal candidate should be innovative, enthusiastic, flexible, have an interest and knowledge of child development and an understanding of child protection procedures.You will be role models for our pupils at all times and should be able to demonstrate how you would model expected behaviours.

You are someone who:

•Enjoys being part of a tutor team that supports pupils to learn inside and outside of the classroom.

•Understands the benefits of a bespoke curriculum for vulnerable, hard to reach children.

•Feels they could effectively manage pupils in the classroom and outdoors in a range of contexts.

•Would like to secure a range of coaching qualifications and outdoor skills as part of your personal CPD.

•Is able to reflect on their own practice to improve the outcomes for our pupils.

You will need to be:

•A highly skilled communicator

•Prepared to manage pupils with a range of complex needs

•Can Inspire and Motivate pupils to want to learn new skills

•A person who is calm, consistent and has high expectations

•A person who can follow the School structure, policies and procedures with the highest level of consistency

Our young people have social, emotional and mental health needs and therefore, resilience and a good sense of humour would be beneficial. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a sensitive and empathic approach to working with young males. While some experience of working with vulnerable young people is preferable, it is not essential and appropriate training will be provided for the right candidate.

The working pattern is Monday – Friday, term time only, with the working hours/ pattern to be discussed at interview and agreed on successful appointment.We are a friendly and supportive team, with additional benefits, such as free daily lunch.

The successful candidate will be joining a Trust and school that continues to be ambitious in its drive to improve outcomes for our pupils. You will join a highly dedicated and professional staff team and be part of a supportive working and learning environment, where your professional development is highly valued. The SABDEN Multi Academy Trust are also committed to professional development and have strong induction, ECT and unqualified teacher programmes.

For an application pack, please visit the vacancy section of the SABDEN Multi Academy Trust website here: www.sabden.org.uk/216/vacancies

The closing date for completed applications is by midday, Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Please send completed applications to recruitment@sabden.org.uk

Please note CVs will not be accepted.

For further information about SABDEN please visit our website here: www.sabden.org.uk

The school has a proven commitment to 'Equality of Opportunity' and actively promotes the welfare and safeguarding of young people. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced check from the Disclosure and Debarring.

About us

Additional Information
The Academy 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 an 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.