Join Danecourt School as a TA (lunchtime cover) Create a Calm, Caring Lunchtime Experience
Hours: 12.5 hours per week; Mon - Friday Contract: Permanent Time Time Only: 38 weeks per year Start Date: ASAP Actual Salary: Grade D £6893 - £7703 (Actual Salary) £13 - £14 per hour
Are you looking for a fulfilling and flexible role in a nurturing environment? Would you enjoy supporting young children with special educational needs (SEN) during their lunchtime routines and helping create a calm, caring atmosphere? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for you to become a Teaching Assistant (Lunchtime cover) at Danecourt School
We're looking for a caring, patient, and reliable Teaching Assistant (lunchtime cover) to join our team at Danecourt School, a specialist provision for children with a range of special educational needs. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to our pupils' daily experience by supporting them during one of the most important parts of their day — lunchtime.
As a TA at lunchtime, you'll help foster a safe, calm, and inclusive environment by:
* Supporting pupils with SEN in the dining hall and outdoor play areas
* Encouraging positive behaviour, social interaction, and independence
* Supporting emotional regulation and transitions between activities
* Helping children access their lunch and providing personal care where needed
* Building warm, trusting relationships with pupils and supporting positive play
* Working closely with the wider school team to ensure a consistent, nurturing approach
Who You Are
We're looking for someone who:
* Enjoys working with children and brings warmth, patience, and empathy to the role
* Is calm, confident, and compassionate, especially when supporting children with additional needs
* Understands the importance of inclusion, dignity, and communication in every interaction
* Is reliable, punctual, and ready to contribute positively to our school community
* Has good communication and teamwork skills, and a willingness to learn from others
No formal qualifications are required, but experience supporting children with SEN — either in school, at home, or in care settings — is highly valued.
What We Offer
Danecourt offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where support staff are valued as key members of the team. As part of the Maritime Academy Trust, we offer meaningful career opportunities, collaborative working, and the chance to help pupils with SEND thrive.
Here's what you can expect:
* A supportive, team-based culture, where collaboration is key across classrooms and satellite provisions
* Work-Life Balance role, you'll benefit from the same school holiday schedule, giving you more time to focus on your well-being and enjoy a healthy work-life balance
* Clear development pathways, through our 'grow our own' approach
* Access to regular training, including weekly CPD for support staff to build confidence and expertise
* A strong sense of purpose, where your contribution directly impacts pupil progress, confidence and wellbeing
* Join a school that is proud to be the Winner of the Primary Special School Provision category at the Medway Parents and Carers Forum SEND Awards.
Ready to Make a Difference?
We'd love to welcome you for a visit — come and see what makes Danecourt so special. Please contact the school office on to arrange.
You'll find more about the role, school, and Trust in the Candidate Information Pack attached. Apply now via My New Term — we may interview and appoint as applications are received, so don't delay
My New Term Link:
Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, striving to build a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and online checks in line with the latest safeguarding guidance.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £13.00-£14.00 per hour
Expected hours: 12.5 per week
Benefits:
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee discount
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Work Location: In person