Health Care Assistant Special Schools

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local health service provider is seeking a Health Care Assistant to support children with disabilities in schools. This role involves working closely with a nursing team and engaging directly with students. Applicants should have a positive interest in teamwork and possess strong organisational skills. This fixed-term, full-time position is based across three schools in London, offering a salary range of £30,039 to £31,088 per annum.

Qualifications

• Positive interest in working with children with disabilities.
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time-management skills.
• Flexibility to cope with varied job demands.

Responsibilities

• Assist with safe administration of gastrostomy feeds and medication.
• Support children during daily health care activities.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records.

Skills

Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a school nurse

Ability to communicate effectively

Excellent organisational skills

Education

NVQ Health Care Assistant or equivalent

Job description

Health Care Assistant – Band 3

Islington Additional Needs and Disability Team (IANDS) is recruiting a Health Care Assistant to support children with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and autism spectrum conditions across three outstanding schools: Richard Cloudesley, Samuel Rhodes, and Bridge Academy. The role is fixed‑term for 12 months, full‑time (5 days per week, term‑time hours only) and based at all three schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the school nursing team with the safe administration of gastrostomy feeds, medication (including epilepsy care plans), and routine suctioning.
• Support children during daily health care activities (tracheostomy care, feeding, medication management) under the supervision of the school nurse.
• Maintain accurate, confidential electronic and paper records in accordance with Trust and school policies.
• Coordinate clinics and whole‑school input, including liaising with other agencies (education, social services, voluntary services).
• Participate in in‑service training and team meetings, providing updates on individual students’ health plans.
• Assist with screening procedures (vision, hearing, growth) and flag concerns to the school nurse and relevant professionals.
• Help plan and implement immunisation sessions and risk assessments of the school environment.
• Provide cover for other Health Care Assistants and support administrative tasks such as answering telephone, photocopying, and filing when requested.

Professional & Clinical Competences

• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a school nurse.
• Understanding of infection control, moving and handling legislation, and child protection procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams, respecting cultural, linguistic, and disability diversity.
• Skills in health promotion, risk assessment, and emergency response as guided by senior staff.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Positive interest in working with children with disabilities and their families.
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time‑management skills.
• Flexibility to cope with varied demands of the job.
• Initiative and problem‑solving ability.
• Good written and verbal communication and negotiation skills.
• Awareness of the role of a school nurse.

Desirable Qualifications

• Relevant short courses (e.g. moving and handling, child development, health‑care related).
• NVQ Health Care Assistant, Childcare or equivalent.
• Experience working with children with physical or learning difficulties, or in a school setting.

Employment Details

• Pay: £30,039 to £31,088 per annum (pro‑rata, inclusive of HCAS).
• Contract: Fixed term, 12 months.
• Working pattern: Term‑time hours, 5 days per week.
• Locations: Richard Cloudesley Primary & Secondary School – 101 Whitecross Street, EC1Y 8JA; Samuel Rhodes Primary & Secondary School; Bridge Academy.

Employer

Whittington Hospital NHS Trust – whittington.nhs.uk

Equal Opportunities Statement

Whittington Health serves a diverse population and strives to employ a workforce that reflects this diversity. All applications are welcomed regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation, or religion.