Job Description

Salary: 24,790 to 27,711 per annum


Contract type: Fixed-term


Working pattern: Part-time


Closing date: Sunday 13 July 2025 at 11:59pm


How to apply:


Please click 'apply' on the website you are visiting or visit https://arkalexandra.org/jobs/vacancies to complete an online application form.


Who to contact if you have a query: If you have any questions about the role, please email ALEHR@arkalexandra.org



Individual Needs Assistant - Internal Alternative Provision


Start date: 01 September 2025


Location: Ark Alexandra Academy, Hastings, East Sussex


Salary: Ark Outside London Support Scale 5, Pay Points 5 -12: 24,790 to 27,711 (pro rata)


Actual salary: 16,288.83 - 18,208.14


Contract: Fixed Term until 20 July 2026 due to the specific funding stream for the role


The school reserves the right to close this advert early and interviews may take place before the advertised closing date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early for this role to avoid disappointment.


A note for recruitment agencies:


We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we require additional support. We will be in touch if we need you.


We are looking for an enthusiastic Individual Needs Assistant to join our hard-working, dedicated team in our Internal Alternative Provision within our growing academy. This is a term-time only position, which means you will only work 39 weeks of the year. Pay is spread evenly over the year so you would never have a month without money.



As an Individual Needs Assistant (INA) you will provide:


aid to the student(s) to learn as effectively as possible in group situations and on their own establish a supportive and professional relationship with the student concerned determine intervention strategies

Our standards are high, and we need someone who can be a team player and flexible when supporting other colleagues. The ability to be resilient, calm and professional under pressure in a busy environment is essential.


For more information, please read the job description and person specification in the information pack available for download.



As the ideal candidate you will:


Have experience of removing barriers so that students make at least good progress Have experience of working with students with SEN Have experience of developing and implementing high quality programmes and interventions for students Have a resilient character and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure in a busy environment Be able to take ownership of tasks and complete to a high standard Be a team player that can work collaboratively as well as using your own initiative

Our school:


We are aiming to create one of the top performing schools in the UK right here in Hastings.


Ark Alexandra Academy is a popular secondary school in Hastings. We have grown from 10 to 12 form entry and operate a 'One School, Two Campus' model, which brings with it unique opportunities for career growth and development. The school is on an exciting and rapid journey of improvement under a new leadership team, which is underpinned by research and best practice. We place a primacy on traditional values: discipline, courtesy and respect. Our students are smart and ready to learn and thrive. We are a strict no mobile phone school.


As part of the Ark network, Ark Alexandra Academy has access to the dedicated support of a highly successful MAT with a well-regarded CPD offer for staff at all levels. In addition, the school is part of the Hastings DfE Education Investment Area giving an increased focus on the region, potential funding, and genuine opportunities for collaboration between schools.



What we offer:


A friendly but professional working environment Twice as many training days as standard and network-wide events with Ark colleagues Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the network Local Government Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution Unique opportunities for growth and development Access to Ark Rewards - a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers Access to Employee Assistance Programme - providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Please note: we are unable to accept applications via CV. We will also be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this advert may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. Early application is strongly encouraged.


If you're interested in further information about our school, please visit our website - www.arkalexandra.org


We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone - staff and students - can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.


Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.


Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark's safer recruitment process, please view the page in the information pack available for download.