About the role: Dartford Primary Academy has a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our team and provide support for pupils within our school. The successful candidate will need to have relevant experience and/or qualifications in working with primary-aged children. We are also looking for the successful applicant to have a proven high standard of both spoken and written English and Mathematics. Being able to communicate effectively with children and adults is essential, together with a friendly and approachable manner. Ideally, we are looking for a Teaching Assistant with a specialism in music, however, this is desirable and not essential. The successful candidate will be able to work using their own initiative and can demonstrate effective behaviour management skills. In return, they will join a supportive environment with plenty of development opportunities within the academy and across the wider Trust.

The working basis is Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.00pm with 30 minutes for lunch each day. For a full list of responsibilities associated to the role, click here.

Working with us at Dartford Primary Academy: Dartford Primary Academy is a highly successful three form entry primary school in Dartford, catering for children between the ages of three and eleven. We provide children with meaningful opportunities and experiences to become global citizens who have a desire to learn. Our purpose is to equip our children to be internationally-minded and to possess the essential skills they need to be successful and engaged in all their learning throughout their educational careers and within their future vocations. Our aim is to send all our pupils onwards so they become lifelong learners, who are successful, confident and responsible citizens with a desire to improve the world in which they live. Click here to view our school website.

At Dartford Primary Academy, we pride ourselves on nurturing our children to become determined, persistent achievers who will change the world. As a member of our team, you will be well-supported and provided with opportunities to develop yourself as a teacher and professional. Our pupils have said that they would like kind, happy and enthusiastic teachers who make learning fun, but also help them to achieve their very best!

Being a part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of September 2019, our Trust is comprised of 25 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 13 primaries and 1 special) educating over 15,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. We also have three further academies in development phase, due to open between September 2020-2021. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school. As part of Leigh Academies Trust, you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation. We strive to offer a range of benefits that all employees can take advantage of which we regularly review and add to - click here to view what you’d receive as a member of staff with Leigh Academies Trust.

Diversity at our core: As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise.

The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.

Recruitment and hiring during COVID-19: Despite the challenges we face, recruitment and hiring will continue for all Leigh Academies Trust vacancies with as little disruption as possible over the coming weeks and months. This is for all senior, teaching and support staff appointments. Applications will still be reviewed and interviews conducted in a timely manner, although interview activities may vary. We will still conduct face to face interviews where possible, and will abide by social distancing protocols such as no hand-shaking, using large meeting rooms, etc. Candidates will be given the option to interview via online video if you cannot attend in person - this can be discussed if your application is shortlisted. If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with the LAT Talent Team - talent@latrust.org.uk.