Teaching Assistant / Learning Support / Individual Needs Assistant

Cumnor House Sussex is one of the country’s leading independent Prep, Pre-Prep and Nursery schools. We are a traditional but forward-thinking family school, with an ethos built on Christian values, creating a safe and unhurried childhood for active and ambitious children. The School provides every aspect of a broad and excellent education, including sport, music and drama, within beautiful country surroundings. Our motto of Aim High, Be Kind, and Dare to be Different is lived enthusiastically every day and in every area of the school.

We are offering a new opportunity for a Teaching Assistant or SEN Assistant to join our Pre-Prep team. You will be supporting the learning and development of an individual child in lessons, during some activities, and as necessary throughout the school day. We are looking for an experienced, nurturing and kindly educator to work three full days and two half days over about 36 weeks per year. Full mentoring and support will be given, to enable you to get to know the child, the parents and the school routines quickly and effectively.  

Desirable Personal Qualities and Experience:

• Maths and English proficiency, and Level 2 or 3 Class Assistant or EYFS Educator certificate. 

• Ability to encourage, reassure and nurture;

• A calm, courteous and approachable manner; 

• Ability to help make school life enjoyable and satisfying;

• Integrity, honesty and a professional manner;

• Experience of using ICT in communications, assessment and planning;

• Ability to empathise with the ethos of the School;

• Excellent collaboration skills, flexibility, good humour and empathy;

• Commitment to participating fully in the life of a busy and sociable School.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Full time salary is c. £23,368 calculated pro rata for part-time.

• For 32 hours per week over 36 weeks, the annual salary would be £14,628

• Remission on fees for Staff children attending the School or Nursery

• Generous contributory pension scheme and life assurance

• Free on-site parking

• Complimentary dining and refreshments available all day during term time

• Free use of indoor swimming pool at specified times

• Occupational sick pay scheme

For more information about Cumnor House Sussex or this role, please call Teresa Mockridge, HR Manager, on 01825 790347 or visit our website:

https://cumnor.co.uk/information/career-opportunities/ 

To apply, please send an application form (which can be found on the web-page linked above) to hr@cumnor.co.uk

Interviews of selected applicants will be held as soon as they can be arranged, and will involve a visit to the School. Applications will be considered as they arrive, and CHS reserves the right to make an appointment at any time.

 CHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expects all staff to share this commitment. A successful application will be dependent upon a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and other safeguarding checks and screening, including references. All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children, and are expected to act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection policies which are available on our website. 

The set of ‘Cumnor Principles’ guides our community:

• The happiness and wellbeing of each child is of paramount importance. In all decision-making, the impact upon children is considered first.

• We are ambitious for every child in our care.

• We aim to be sympathetic, empathetic and professional in our relationships with children, staff and parents.

• Cumnor is non-selective and embraces and supports a diversity of interest, ability, background and outcomes.

• We seek to communicate clearly and without favour.

• We act in partnership with other school communities – both state and independent

• We keep in mind our local community as well as wider environmental issues and encourage children in similar thinking

• We seek to develop ourselves as a staff through appraisal and CPD

• Children are offered a fully rounded education within a community that values the concept of childhood

• Old Cumnorians, and past and present parents, are seen as valued members of our community

• We embrace both change and tradition in turn where either benefits our principles

• We aim for the highest standards of professional performance and behaviour supported by these principles.