Health Care and Education Assistant

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Durham County Council is seeking two Health Care & Education Assistants for The Oaks Secondary School in Spennymoor. The role is a part-time, temporary contract (34 hours/week) with start as soon as possible and a potential extension pending funding.

Responsibilities include aiding pupils with special educational needs, personal care, and supporting learning activities under staff supervision. Applicants should have an NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or equivalent, and demonstrate enthusiasm,

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or equivalent qualification.
• Good spoken English and ability to communicate clearly with pupils, staff and parents.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with a range of special educational needs.
• Assist with personal care routines including toileting, feeding and dressing.
• Assist with safe positioning and movement of pupils with physical disabilities.
• Contribute to classroom learning activities under teaching staff guidance.

Skills

English communication

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Childcare

Job description

Temporary Contract until August 2027 with the potential to extend, subject to funding. Part Time- 34 hours per week- 8:40-4pm Mon-Fri. Required to start as soon as possible.

The Oaks is a generic special school for pupils aged 11-19 with moderate, severe, or profound learning difficulties and/or Autism Spectrum Conditions. The school has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted in its last four consecutive inspections, reflecting the high quality of care, education, and support we provide to our pupils.

The Board of Governors at The Oaks Secondary School are seeking to appoint two Health Care & Education Assistants to join our team.

Applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or an equivalent relevant qualification. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting pupils with a range of special educational needs, assisting with general hygiene and personal care routines including toileting, feeding, and dressing. The role also involves supporting the safe positioning and movement of pupils with physical disabilities and contributing to classroom learning activities under the guidance of teaching staff.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, caring, hardworking, and able to work effectively as part of a team. A genuine interest in working with children and young people with special needs is essential.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

The Oaks Secondary School is maintained by Durham County Council and is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited to interview if they meet the essential job criteria.

The Oaks Secondary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Standard term time only pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of 'teaching' weeks - 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays - 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years' service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years' service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years' service: 38 weeks (term time) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 45 weeks' pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years' service: 38 weeks (term time) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 46 weeks' pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Completed applications must be submitted by Friday 6th November 2026 at 12pm.

Interview date: TBC

The Oaks Secondary School Rock Road, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 7DB Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

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