Individual Needs Assistant (High Hurstwood CoE Primary School)

Hours of work: 32.5 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)

Fixed term for: One year

Closing date: 03 July 2026

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

High Hurstwood CoE Primary School

Chillies Ln, High Hurstwood, Uckfield TN22 4AD

Phone: 01825 733231

Email: [email protected]

Website: High Hurstwood Church of England Primary School - Home

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Hours: 08:30am – 15:30pm, Monday to Friday, Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break daily.

At High Hurstwood, we believe that every child deserves the tailored support, patience, and encouragement they need to truly thrive. We are looking for a dedicated, nurturing, and perceptive Individual Needs Assistant (INA) to join our team from September to provide vital 1:1 support for a specific pupil.

This is a profoundly rewarding role. You will work closely with the class teacher, our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), and external professionals to implement a personalised learning plan. By breaking down learning into manageable steps, managing emotional and sensory needs, and fostering independence, you will be the bridge that allows this child to fully access school life and experience success every single day.

Our School: A Special Place to Grow

High Hurstwood is more than just a place of work; it is a community. We are a small village primary school in a beautiful rural setting between the towns of Uckfield and Crowborough. High Hurstwood CE Primary School is a popular school with an excellent reputation. Our motto ('Belong ~ Enjoy ~ Excel') encapsulates what we want for the children and staff at High Hurstwood and also reflects our Christian Values.

We are part of a village community and also have close links with our local church. We pride ourselves on our motivated pupils, supportive parents, and an incredible staff team characterised by drive and enthusiasm. When you join us, you aren't just an employee—you are a key member of a warm, happy school family.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

We are looking for a candidate who brings a calm presence, an empathetic nature, and a passion for inclusive education. You will need:

• Tailored Support: Experience of or a strong desire to work with children with additional needs (such as communication difficulties, sensory needs, or learning delays), adapting tasks to suit the child’s specific learning style.
• Patience and Resilience: A calm, positive, and patient approach, with the ability to keep a child engaged, motivated, and emotionally regulated throughout the school day.
• Holistic Care: The ability to support the child across all aspects of the school day, including classroom learning, transitions, and social interactions during lunchtime.
• Collaborative Spirit: Excellent communication skills to work as part of a team, tracking the child's progress, celebrating their milestones, and liaising sensitively with staff and parents.
• Desirable: Prior experience as an INA or 1:1 Teaching Assistant, or specific training/qualifications related to special educational needs (SEN).

Why Join High Hurstwood?

• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialised SEN training.
• The chance to make a profound, visible difference in a child’s life within a small, vibrant school community.
• A comprehensive handover and time to understand the child's specific routines and profile.

How to Apply

We would love to meet you! Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. To arrange an appointment, please contact our Headteacher, Karl Luckhurst, via email or telephone.

To apply: Please submit a completed application form along with a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining how your experience meets the person specification and why you are the right fit for High Hurstwood.

Shortlisting: Tuesday 07 July 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 08 July 2026

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.

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.