Individual Needs Assistant (INA)

Individual Needs Assistant (INA)

Apply now Send to a Friend Back to Vacancy List Vacancy Type Term-Time Only Location Upper Dicker, BN27 3QH School Senior School Application Deadline Monday, November 9, 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. 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 will help to remove physical barriers, through supporting the use of mobility aids and helping with physical tasks, and academic barriers, through the use of technology, promoting 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

• Inclusive and responsive: Strongly aligned with the social model of disability; committed to removing barriers as they arise, 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, and a strong Communicator: Exceptionally skilled at navigating sensitive conversations with families and medical professionals, with the technical confidence to master assistive learning technologies.

There Are Two Different Opportunities On Offer Both Are Fixed Term Contracts Anticipated To End In June 2029, Term Time Only (33 Weeks Per Year)

Role 1 Working Pattern: 34 hours per week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, consisting of 14:00 - 23:00 with a 30 minute unpaid break per day.

Salary : £15,113.34 per annum plus holiday pay (Full Time Equivalent £28,094.11)

Role 2 Working Pattern: 14.5 hours per week, consisting of:

• Friday: 18:00 - 23:00.
• Sunday: 07:00 - 16:30 with an unpaid 30 minute break per day.

Salary: £6,445.40 per annum plus holiday pay (Full Time Equivalent £28,094.11)

Bede’s Offers a Range Of Staff Benefits Including

• A generous company pension with salary exchange options
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail Discounts
• Aviva Digital GP app - swift and convenient access to a GP via video consultation
• Free use of School gym & pool facilities/discounted nationwide gym membership,
• Eye care vouchers,
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Beneficiary Nominations (Death in Service),
• Complimentary Lunch provided
• 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 [email protected]. 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 9th November 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. Job Profile Job Profile document