Individual Needs Assistant (INA)
- Vacancy Type
- Term-Time Only
- Location
- Upper Dicker, BN27 3QH
- School
- Senior School
- Application Deadline
- Monday, July 6, 2026
- Job Summary
Are you ready to champion true independence and inclusion? We are looking for individuals who don't just look past limitations, but actively collaborate with young adults to dismantle the barriers holding them back.
We are seeking two dedicated Individual Needs Assistant (INA) to join our vibrant school community this September. Rooted firmly in the social model of disability, this role is focused on acting as an ally, enabler, and inclusion facilitator for a Sixth Form pupil with Cerebral Palsy. Your mission will be to remove physical and academic barriers, support independent use of mobility aids, and champion the pupil's transition into adulthood and higher education or employment.
Importantly, while this pupil is your primary focus, you will be an integral part of our wider school community. When the pupil is studying independently, you will actively pivot to support and engage with other pupils within the classroom and the boarding house, fostering a holistic environment of communal support.
Key Responsibilities
- Empowering Academic & Tech Support:Act as an objective reader/scribe in lessons and exams, and coach the pupil to master assistive technologies for future independence.
- Autonomy-First Daily Assistance:Support the independent use of mobility aids and orthotics using a respectful, "assistance on request" approach.
- Fluid Community Integration:Pivot proactively to support the wider classroom and boarding house whenever the primary pupil is engaged in independent study.
- Inclusive Enrichment & Trip Planning:Accompany the pupil on off-site excursions, university visits, and social events, pre-auditing venues to remove accessibility barriers.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration:Implement specialist strategies from Educational Psychologists, Physios, and OTs, while maintaining proactive communication with parents and staff.
About You
- Inclusion & Autonomy Mindset:Strongly aligned with the social model of disability; committed to removing barriers while deeply respecting a young adult’s personal boundaries and independence.
- Adaptable & Community-Minded:Able to fluidly transition from intensive 1-to-1 pupil care to proactively engaging and managing wider groups of teenagers in both classroom and residential boarding environments.
- Collaborative, Tech-Savvy Communicator:Exceptionally skilled at navigating sensitive conversations with families and medical professionals, with the technical confidence to master assistive learning technologies.
- Term-time only:33 weeks per year.
- Hours:37 hours per week.
- Schedule:Monday–Friday, 37 hours per week. Shifts are split into early and late rotas between two INAs (falling between 07:30 and 22:00). Please note: You will not work the full 14.5-hour window in a single day.
Offering an attractive salary of £16,446.87 plus holiday pay per annum (Full Time Equivalent £28,094.11) along with a range of staff benefits including:
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A fantastic holiday allowance of 30 days plus bank holidays (full time equivalent)
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A generous company pension with salary exchange options
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Employee Assistance Programme
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Retail Discounts
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Aviva Digital GP app - swift and convenient access to a GP via video consultation
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Free use of School gym & pool facilities/discounted nationwide gym membership,
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Eye care vouchers,
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Refer a Friend Scheme
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Beneficiary Nominations (Death in Service),
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Complimentary Lunch provided
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Free onsite parking at the Senior School.
We welcome applications from all sectors of the community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our community. We consider the most important factor to be the right skills, abilities and attitude for the job which will ultimately improve the well-being and education of the pupils.
For further information about the role please see the Job Description below. Select Apply Now to complete your application today! We very much look forward to receiving applications from candidates who are ready to leave a lasting impact on the lives of our young learners.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
recruitment@bedes.org.Please note that we are unable to accept CV’s, applicants must add their full education and employment history to their application.Application Closing Date:Monday 6th July 2026 at 8am.Bede’s Trust is committed to building a truly inclusive school and cultivating a culture of equality, diversity and kindness. We believe that a diverse staff body reflects and supports the diversity of our students and wider society. We are an equal opportunity employer and in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expressions, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.Bede’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.