Teaching Assistant

About the role: Dartford Primary Academy has a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our team and provide support for pupils within our school. The successful candidate will need to have relevant experience and/or qualifications in working with primary-aged children. We are also looking for the successful applicant to have a proven high standard of both spoken and written English and Mathematics. Being able to communicate effectively with children and adults is essential, together with a friendly and approachable manner. The successful candidate will be able to work using their own initiative and can demonstrate effective behaviour management skills. In return, they will join a supportive environment with plenty of development opportunities within the academy and across the wider Trust.  

The working basis is Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.00pm with 30 minutes for lunch each day, Term Time + 1 week inset with an actual salary of £15,793 per annum (£19,411 full time equivalent).

We are looking for someone demonstrates the following:

• Have high expectations of teaching and learning
• To be a positive role model
• To contribute to the positive ethos of the school
• Be able to work collaboratively with a range of children and adults
• Be keen to develop as a professional 
• Previous, recent experience in a similar education setting
• Being independent and able to work under pressure​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Working with us at Dartford Primary Academy: Dartford Primary Academy is a highly successful three form entry primary school in Dartford, catering for children between the ages of three and eleven. We provide children with meaningful opportunities and experiences to become global citizens who have a desire to learn. "We are working towards becoming an accredited IB school and are currently implementing the PYP (Primary Years programme of the International Baccalaureate). Learning is built upon experiences that are real and relevant. Whilst we follow the National Curriculum we also respond to the interests and needs of the children to ensure that each term the activities excite and engage everyone." Our purpose is to equip our children to be internationally-minded and to possess the essential skills they need to be successful and engaged in all their learning throughout their educational careers and within their future vocations. Our aim is to send all our pupils onwards so they become lifelong learners, who are successful, confident and responsible citizens with a desire to improve the world in which they live. Click here to view our school website.   

At Dartford Primary Academy, we pride ourselves on nurturing our children to become determined, persistent achievers who will change the world. As a member of our team, you will be well-supported and provided with opportunities to develop yourself as a teacher and professional. Our pupils have said that they would like kind, happy and enthusiastic teachers who make learning fun, but also help them to achieve their very best!

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2021, our Trust comprises 31 geographically organised academies (15 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating 20,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.  

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Click here to view the range of benefits available to all LAT staff.  

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units.  All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.  

Our commitment to equality and diversity: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise.  We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date.  Applicants will be notified of this where possible.  Therefore, early applications are encouraged.