Complex SEND Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of students with complex needs? Do you want to work in a school that values every child and champions inclusive learning? The Pingle Academy is seeking a dedicated and experienced Complex SEND Teaching Assistant to join our supportive and dynamic team. This is a fantastic opportunity to use your specialist knowledge to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

Working under the direction of teaching staff and the SENDCO, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils with SEND, including those with EHCPs or GRIPs, to access the curriculum and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. You will provide tailored support both in the classroom and in one-to-one or small-group settings, assisting with literacy, numeracy, and SEND strategies, as well as helping pupils develop independence, confidence, and resilience.

As a Complex SEND Teaching Assistant at The Pingle Academy, you will:

• Build effective, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and learning

• Support assessment and monitoring of SEND pupils, providing feedback to the SENDCO to inform individual education and behaviour plans

• Assist with classroom activities, adapting learning to meet individual needs and ensuring pupils can access lessons successfully

• Provide pastoral care, mentoring, and support for students experiencing difficulties, helping them manage social, emotional, and behavioural challenges

• Accompany pupils on trips, visits, and extra-curricular activities, promoting inclusion and engagement

• Liaise with parents, carers, and external professionals to ensure consistent support and progress

At The Pingle Academy, we are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive. You will be joining a school that values collaboration, high expectations, and the development of all students, providing you with opportunities to grow professionally through training, mentoring, and involvement in SEND initiatives.

This is more than a role – it’s a chance to have a meaningful impact on the lives of young people, helping them overcome challenges, unlock potential, and achieve success. If you are compassionate, skilled, and ready to inspire and support students with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.

Why Work for Affinity?

At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.

As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.

Our People Strategy

Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:

Belongs – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.

Progresses – Staff Development and CPD

Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Thrives – Wellbeing

We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.

What Are The Benefits of Joining Affinity?

• Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model

• Removal of performance-related pay

• A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace

• Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks

• A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload

• Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network

In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services

• Access to Benenden Health’s self-pay private healthcare service

• Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active

• Cycle to Work scheme

• BHSF health cash plan

• Eye care vouchers

• Flu vaccination vouchers

Visits

Prospective applicants are welcome to visit, and this can be arranged by telephoning 01283 216837.

To Apply

Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.

To apply, please visit our careers page: pingleacademy.com/16/current-vacancies

Closing date: 9.00am on 13th April 2026.

We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process, should this be required.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.