Health Care and Education Assistant (x3 posts)

Durham County Council; Middlestone Moor; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in England is seeking Health Care & Education Assistants to support pupils with special educational needs. The role requires NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or a willingness to obtain it. Responsibilities include assisting with hygiene routines, supporting movement of pupils with disabilities, and contributing to classroom activities. This is a temporary position, term-time only, from as soon as possible until 31/03/2026, with potential extensions subject to funding.

Qualifications

• Must hold NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or be willing to obtain it.
• Genuine interest in working with children and young people with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with special educational needs.
• Assist with hygiene and personal care routines.
• Support safe positioning and movement of pupils.
• Contribute to classroom learning activities.

Skills

Enthusiasm for working with children

Teamwork

Caring nature

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or equivalent

Job description

Health Care & Education Assistant (Grade 2, SCP 3-4)

£24,796 to £25,185 pro rata per annum
Temporary, Term time only
34 Hours per week, 8.40am to 4pm
Required as soon as possible until 31/03/2026 (with the expectation that this will be extended, subject to funding)

About the School

The Oaks Secondary School 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 exceptional quality of care, education, and support we provide to our pupils.

Role Overview

The Board of Governors at The Oaks Secondary School are seeking to appoint three Health Care & Education Assistants to join our dedicated team. Applicants should hold an NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or an equivalent relevant qualification, or demonstrate a willingness to work towards obtaining one.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with a range of special educational needs.
• Assisting with general hygiene and personal care routines, including toileting, feeding, and dressing.
• Supporting the safe positioning and movement of pupils with physical disabilities.
• Contributing to classroom learning activities under the guidance of teaching staff.

Desirable Qualities

We are looking for individuals who are 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.

Application Details

Application packs and further information are available from Mrs Sarah Labron, School Business Manager, via email at [e-mail]. Completed applications must be submitted to the school by Monday 12th January 2026 on 12:00 noon. Please note that, in line with Durham County Council’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, CVs will not be accepted, and any information provided on a CV will not be considered during shortlisting.

Equality & Diversity

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. 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.

Safeguarding

The Oaks Secondary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks and a clear enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. If successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Employer Notice

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

Pay Calculation

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

Contact

The Oaks Secondary School
Rock Road
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 7DB
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.theoaksschool.co.uk

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