Individual Needs Assistant (Fixed Term Contract)

The Appointment

The Head Mistress of Lancing College Preparatory School at Hove, Kirsty Keep, invites applications for the post of Individual Needs Assistant, which becomes available in April 2026.

This position involves providing 1:1 support to a 6‑year‑old pupil in Year 2 throughout the school day. Applicants with experience supporting children with special educational needs and/or relevant qualifications are encouraged to apply. Experience working with neurodiverse pupils and supporting children who experience challenges with self‑regulation would be particularly beneficial.

Job Title:                    Individual Needs Assistant

Reporting to:              Head of Learning Enhancement (HLE)

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• To support the individual pupil as guided by the class teacher and the HLE.
• To work with the individual pupil as part of a small group of children to support specific lessons.
• To undertake administrative tasks and adapt resources as necessary to support the pupil.
• To encourage the pupil to progress at the appropriate level both academically and socially, enabling the pupil to feel secure and happy.
• To liaise with other specialist teachers and professionals as appropriate.
• To support the teacher in looking after the wellbeing and pastoral needs of the pupil.
• To communicate effectively with the teacher and other professionals, as well as the parents.
• To ensure full commitment to the wider care of all pupils at school, including absolute commitment to safeguarding.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Hold relevant qualifications and/or experience supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• A caring, patient, and supportive approach when working with children.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and trusting relationships.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage time and tasks effectively.
• A strong commitment to education and a genuine passion for supporting pupils with SEND.
• Resourceful, adaptable, and able to respond positively to changing needs.
• Willingness to be fully involved in the wider life of the school.
• Flexible and able to balance priorities effectively in a busy school environment.

Desirable:

• An understanding of the independent school sector and its educational ethos.

This job description sets out the main duties at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary occasionally but without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed, and the candidate will be required to carry out any reasonable requests required by their Line Manager.

Application Procedure:

Applications should be made using the application form. Candidates are asked to add a covering letter setting out, as succinctly as possible, their reasons for applying for the position at Lancing.

Application forms are available from the College website www.lancingcollege.org.uk.

Please send any emails to recruitment@lancing.org.uk

Informal conversations about the post may be arranged with the Head of Learning Enhancement, Fran Moulds, at fmoulds@lancing.org.uk

A full curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of a minimum of two referees, one of whom should be the candidate’s current or most recent employer should be included with the application.

Closing date: Friday 20 March 2026

Interviews: w/c 23 March 2026

Applications will be reviewed on receipt and candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date. Early application is therefore advised.