Engagement Support Assistant

(Y)Our Opportunity

We are looking for a dedicated Engagement Support Assistant who brings energy heart and purpose to our team at Thomas Bennett Community College someone ready to inspire and empower our pupils every single day.

In our Trust an Engagement Support Assistant is far more than classroom support; you are a key architect in building a childs confidence independence and social inclusion. We are seeking an empathetic proactive team player who can help break down barriers to learning supporting pupils facing difficulties related to social emotional personal or behavioural factors and create an environment where every child feels supported to fully engage with lessons and make outstanding progress.

Whether you have experience managing challenging behaviour supporting pupils with SEND or working directly with families your talent will be valued our community support staff are vital partners in driving educational standards and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Together lets unlock potential reduce barriers and ensure every child gets their chance to shine.

The ideal Engagement Support Assistant will be someone who:

• Builds warm positive and respectful relationships with pupils parents/carers and colleagues.
• Is patient adaptable and skilled in managing and supporting young people with social emotional and behavioural needs.
• Works collaboratively with class teachers the Inclusion Lead and external agencies to devise and implement individual learning plans.
• Confidently plans and delivers targeted group-based interventions mentoring programmes and structured activities during unstructured times.
• Helps students manage and resolve conflict using restorative and supportive strategies.
• Models good levels of literacy and numeracy and supports pupils to build resilience and positive behaviour for learning.
• Is dedicated to outreach and supporting family engagement to help students overcome barriers to learning.
• Holds GCSE Grade 4 (Grade C) or equivalent in English and Maths with First Aid training (or a willingness to complete it).

Great Support Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits

We believe that in education people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isnt just a perk its our priority.

As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

Exceptional development: Access high-quality development and training opportunities tailored to your role including networking with other Learning Mentors across the Trust to share good practice.

Career Pathways: Receive encouragement and support to grow your skills with clear routes toward Higher Level Teaching Assistant status (HLTA) or qualified teacher training (QTS) if desired.

24/7 Confidential Counselling: Free round-the-clock support for you and your eligible immediate family members.

Family-Friendly Policies: Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.

Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance.

Blue Light Card Access: Eligible to apply for the UKs premier discount scheme unlocking savings across shopping dining travel and entertainment.

Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier more affordable commute.

Generous Pension: Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

About Thomas Bennett Community College

Located on Ashdown Drive in Crawley Thomas Bennett Community College is dedicated to providing an inclusive supportive environment where all pupils regardless of background or ability are encouraged to thrive academically socially and emotionally.

To discover what makes Thomas Bennett Community College special please visit our website or contact our Inclusion Lead to discuss the role further.

About Kemnal Academies Trust:

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose agency and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching leadership and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment regularly sharing knowledge insight and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected where expectations are high and genuine support is provided. Here colleagues are trusted to lead contribute and grow in alignment with our mission. At Kemnal Academies Trust we are committed to Equity Inclusion Diversity and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences value individual experiences aspirations and achievements and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Flexible Working - Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work. We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Application Details & Next Steps - Interview dates for this role are listed in the key vacancy details above; please ensure you hold this date in your diary when applying. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications so early submission is encouraged.

Be Who You Are: Interview & Workplace Adjustments Should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate fully. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments within both the recruitment process and the workplace to support every candidate.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment - Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include but are not limited to an Enhanced DBS check with Childrens Barred List check online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines) identity and right-to-work verification reference checks relevant qualification/prohibition checks and overseas checks where applicable. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended) certain spent convictions and cautions are protected and do not need to be disclosed.

Required Experience:

Junior IC