Higher Level Special Support Assistant

THE PERCY HEDLEY FOUNDATION; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

School holidays off

Contributory Pension Scheme

Wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work

Job summary

The Percy Hedley Foundation is recruiting a Higher Level SSA at Northern Counties School in Newcastle upon Tyne to support the upper school learners. The role focuses on classroom-based work, team collaboration and leading sessions under the guidance of teachers and therapists.

This development opportunity welcomes new candidates and experienced staff, offering induction, training and opportunities to progress within the Foundation while supporting learning for students with diverse needs.

Responsibilities

• Support with the running of the department and coordinate a team of staff.
• Lead sessions as directed by the Class Teacher or Therapist.
• Coach SSAs in their role and guide new SSAs through induction.

Job description

Higher Level Special Support Assistant

Closing Date: 21/10/2026

Location: Northern Counties School, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3BB

Who Are We?

The Percy Hedley Foundation is one of the largest regional charities supporting people with a range of learning and physical needs. We take a person centred, flexible approach to the care and support we provide. We have five sites providing specialist education, adult day services, residential care and independent supported living to our service users. Our sites are based in Forest Hall, Killingworth, Jesmond, Newcastle City Centre and North Shields.

We work towards excellence every day and our team members are committed to delivering the very best outcomes for the people we support. Our dynamic and flexible service is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, making it easier to live, learn and be part of a world adapting to change.

The Role

We are looking to appoint a Higher Level SSA at Northern Counties School to work in our upper school.

This is an excellent development opportunity for new candidates or existing staff. The role is mainly classroom-based working as part of team or planning and leading sessions as directed by the Class Teacher or Therapist. The successful candidate will support with the running of the department, coach SSAs in their role and guide new SSAs through their induction period.

We are looking for an individual with strong communication and interpersonal skills who can efficiently coordinate a team of staff in order to maximise learning opportunities for our students.

For more information, please contact our Abbie Cowie on [e-mail] 0191 2815821. (We politely request no calls from recruitment agencies in relation to this post)

Why Work for Us

We encourage career development and progression. We run a robust training programme and also have development opportunities both within school and across the wider Foundation.

We also offer the following benefits to staff:

• Have the school holidays off!
• Loyalty awards starting at 2 years’ service
• Wellbeing support (including occupational health, physio services and counselling services)
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Induction and ongoing training
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a rewards scheme designed to save money on shopping
• Access to Blue Light Card
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to discounted Nexus Travel Corporate Pop Card (payments spread over 12 months and deducted from salary each month)

[TTO roles only] Salary amounts quoted are from 1 September to 31 August and therefore, if you commence employment part way through the academic year, it will be subject to an equated salary adjustment.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS and barring checks as well as other employment clearances such as referencing in line with our regulator’s legislation requirements.

Please note that this role is classed as regulated activity as it involves working directly with children and/or vulnerable adults. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self-declaration form prior to interview, and all candidates will be subject to an online check prior to interview. The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013, 2020 & 2023) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’ and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

Please note it is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and the Percy Hedley Foundation has the right to respond appropriately.

As a disability confident employer who is registered and accredited by the scheme, we would encourage all applications but please reach out if you require any guidance or support in your application.

Please access the following link for our vulnerable adults protection policy:

Safeguarding at Northern Counties School – Northern Counties School

This advert will close at midnight on Wednesday 21st October