Play and Independence Assistant

Fred Nicholson School; Swaffham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Fred Nicholson School in Norfolk is seeking a Play and Independence Assistant to support pupils aged 4–18 with complex needs during social and meal times, helping them develop interaction, communication and self-care skills.

This permanent, part-time role is 15 hours per week, Monday to Friday, term time plus one week, starting ASAP. Training and a supportive team environment are provided to help you grow in the role.

Qualifications

• We are looking for people who are: Ready to make a difference to pupils with complex needs (pupils aged 4 –18).
• Looking to develop: You’ll join a team that values professional development and growth.
• Adaptable and kind: Our pupils succeed when they have consistent, caring adults by their sides.
• Resilient and positive: A good sense of humour and a positive outlook are a must.

Responsibilities

• Our Play and Independence Assistants supervise and proactively engage with our young people during their social and eating times, supporting them to develop their interaction, communication and self-care skills.
• The role involves working within a supportive team to promote wellbeing and inclusive participation.

Job description

Tel:[phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk

Headteacher: Heidi Philpott

• Salary: Scale C (£25,583 FTE)
• Permanent
• Part Time
• 15 hours per week, Monday-Friday
• Term Time only + 1 week
• Required ASAP

Jointhe Team at Fred Nicholson School

Make a real difference in the lives of amazing young people.

Are you ready for an opportunity that truly matters? We are looking for a dedicatedPlay and Independence Assistantto join our friendly, supportive, and imaginative team. Whetheryou’rean experienced practitioner or someone with a passion for SEN looking to start a new career,we’dlove to hear from you.

Our Play and Independence Assistants supervise and proactively engage with our young people during their social and eating times, supporting them to develop their interaction,communicationand self-care skills.

Is This Role for You?

We are looking for people who are:

• Ready to make a differenceto pupils with complex needs (pupils aged 4 –18).
• Looking to develop:You’lljoin a team that values professional development and growth.
• Adaptable and kind:Our pupils succeed when they have consistent, caring adults by their sides.
• Resilient and positive:A good sense of humour and a positive outlook area must.

Life at Fred Nicholson

Fred Nicholson School is a Complex Needs School for pupils aged 4-18 with a wide range of needs, including complex and severe learning difficulties as well as social interaction and communication difficulties. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan and access a practical, hands-on curriculum (based on EYFS and primary models). Our classes are approximately 12 pupils per class, with a focus on engagement and success.

Our New Environment:

Our purpose-built school on Lynn Road is designed to meet the complex needs of our pupils, featuring:

• A dining room designed to support sensory difficulties
• Bespoke, sensory-designed learning spaces
• Large play area, including a MUGA, climbing equipment,swingsand a forest school
• Dedicated soft play and independence classrooms

Here is what the week looks like:

Daily:10:15am – 1:15pm Monday to Friday

We Invest in You

Don'tworry if youhaven'tworked in a school before. If you have the heart for it, we provide:

• A full staff induction programme.
• Ongoing Whole School CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
• Specialist trainingappropriate toyour specific role.

Closing Date: 24 September 2026, 9am

Interview Dates: 2 October 2026

Fred Nicholson School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; an enhanced DBS check isrequiredfor all successful candidates.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009Regulationsand the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of OffendersActand you willbe requiredto undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may notbe requiredto declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.