Alternative Provision Assistant
Ratton School, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2XR9 days remaining to apply
Earliest start date
1 September 2025
Latest start date
22 September 2025
Closing date
8 August 2025 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
25 July 2025
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Working pattern
- Full time: Monday to Friday term time only 8.30am - 3.45pm (30 minute unpaid break) Term time only with 6.05 weeks holiday pay
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £24,404 - £24,790 pro rata, pay award pending
Pay scale
- SS Grade 4, points 9 - 10
Hourly rate
- £12.65
What skills and experience we're looking for
The position of Alternative Provision Assistant (APA) at Ratton School is a vital and rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students who require additional support to thrive. As an APA, you will work closely with individual students and small groups, offering tailored academic and pastoral assistance both in and out of the classroom. Your role will involve supporting students with a wide range of needs, including learning difficulties, social and emotional challenges and behavioural issues.
You will contribute to the development of students’ confidence, independence and social skills, helping them access the curriculum and fully engage with school life. Your day-to-day work will include clarifying instructions, offering reassurance and motivation, using positive behaviour strategies and providing targeted help in areas such as literacy, numeracy or speech and language. In addition to direct student support, you will liaise with teaching staff, the SENCO and other professionals to ensure that interventions and strategies are consistent and effective.
We are seeking someone who is compassionate, resilient and committed to the welfare and progress of our students. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative approach and a sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. Previous experience working with children or young people, particularly in a school or alternative provision setting, would be an advantage.
As part of your duties, you will also help with supervision during break times, accompany students on educational visits, support with exam invigilation when required and participate in ongoing training and professional development. You will play a crucial role in fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where all students can grow academically and personally.
What the school offers its staff
STAFF BENEFITS & INCENTIVES
At the South Downs Learning Trust, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment for our staff. We believe in attracting, retaining and nurturing talented professionals who share our commitment to education. To support this goal, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance wellbeing, encourage professional growth and ensure a positive work-life balance.
BENEFIT
DESCRIPTION
Comprehensive Induction Programme
📚
A thorough induction to ensure a seamless transition into your role at Ratton School.
Career Development and CPD
🎓
Professional development opportunities tailored to your career aspirations and goals.
Support and Mentoring
👥
Ongoing support from Senior Leadership Team and experienced mentors to help guide your career progression.
Bike to Work Scheme
🚴
Salary sacrifice scheme offering discounts on bikes and equipment.
Complimentary Breakfast
🍽️
Enjoy a free daily breakfast, including a choice of bagels, cereal, porridge and tea.
Employee Assistance Programme
🧑⚕️
Confidential advice, counselling and support for personal and professional challenges.
Staffroom Amenities
☕
Complimentary tea and coffee available in our staffroom to relax and recharge.
Healthcare Benefits
🏥
Subsidised membership with Benenden Healthcare for additional health support.
On-Site Parking
🚗
Free, secure on-site parking for staff.
Childcare Support
👶
Free Breakfast Club or After School Club places for Trust staff with children at Ocklynge Junior School.
Exclusive Sports Membership
🏋️♀️
Discounts at Eastbourne Sports Park to promote physical health and wellness.
Further information about the job
This is a term-time only, permanent post, working 33.75 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.45pm), with a 30-minute daily unpaid break, and offers an actual starting salary of £19,232 per annum (Grade 4, SCP 9–10, pay award pending).
HOW TO APPLY
Thank you for your interest in joining our team at Ratton School. Please follow the steps below to apply for this position:
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application Form:Access the application form via the Vacancies page on our website at Vacancies | Ratton or alternatively, you can use the forms provided through TES or Gov.UK platforms if applying via those channels.
Submission:Submit your completed application form to Mrs Barrow, Trust Executive Assistant, at tcomfort@ratton.co.uk before the specified closing date and time.
Important Notes:
CVs will not be accepted in the interest of safeguarding. Applications must be submitted using the designated form.
Ensure your application addresses the essential selection criteria outlined in the job pack, as shortlisting will be based on how closely your application matches these criteria.
Please provide details of any employment gaps within your application.
Commitment to safeguarding
The South Downs Learning Trust and all our academies take notice of and adhere to all the national and local policies and guidance in regard to Safeguarding Children and Young People. We are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Applying for the job
Please complete the online application.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Apply for this jobUpload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Ratton School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 1197 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Ratton School website
- Email address
- tcomfort@ratton.co.uk
- Phone number
- 01323 514310
As a member school of the South Downs Learning Trust, we are committed to providing a safe and enriching learning environment for all our learners. We pride ourselves on ensuring that all members of staff play a key role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Everything we do is centred on developing our young people to become confident, creative and caring students who achieve excellence in everything they do. Be it academically, or socially, our aim is to enable our students to grow and flourish and achieve all their potential. This means educating the whole child and giving them the skills to take the next steps on their journey when they leave us to attend further education or training, and then into the right career.
Arranging a visit to Ratton School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email tcomfort@ratton.co.uk.
School location
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