Play Assistant

Bedelsford School; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 10,000; Part time

Job summary

A special education institution in Kingston upon Thames is looking for enthusiastic Play Assistants to provide support during lunchtime for pupils with diverse needs. The role involves preparing the dining area, assisting with feeding, promoting social interaction, and helping with personal care. Experience with children is essential, and a background in special education is desirable. The position offers a nurturing environment focused on pupil development and well-being. Join us in making a difference in our pupils' lives.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Employee Wellbeing support

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Must have experience working with children.
• Basic IT skills required.
• Good communication skills and ability to follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing the dining hall for lunchtime.
• Help move pupils following therapist advice.
• Serve pupils lunch and assist with feeding.
• Encourage social interaction among pupils.
• Assist with personal care needs.

Skills

Experience of working with, or caring for children

Good range of communication skills

Basic IT skills

Willingness to learn new skills related to SEN

Job description

Description / Employer Location

Salary : OHCAT Outer London Business Support Scale, Grade B, Point 7-9, Actual Salary : £9,650.09 - £9,786.03 (FTE £27,826 - £28,218)

Location : Bedelsford School, Grange Road, KT1 2QZ

Working Pattern : 14.58 hours Per Week, Term Time Only Monday – Friday 11.00 – 13.55

Bedelsford School is an Outstanding special school located in Kingston, providing a nurturing and innovative learning environment for pupils aged 2 to 19. We support a diverse group of students with a wide range of physical disabilities, including those with profound and multiple learning difficulties, moderate learning needs, and complex health conditions.

The school benefits from specialist facilities including an accessible swimming pool, adapted outdoor play areas and an outdoor learning environment. It is within walking distance of the vibrant town centre of Kingston upon Thames and has excellent transport links.

Bedelsford School is committed to evidence-based practice. We draw on the latest developments in neuroscience and educational research to continually enhance the skills of our staff. Every member of our team is trained to understand how each pupil learns uniquely and is supported in delivering tailored teaching strategies that help our students achieve their full potential.

We are looking for enthusiastic Play Assistants with drive and creativity to join our dedicated and welcoming team to support the lunch time sessions for our pupils. You will provide support for our pupils at lunchtime, both with eating and drinking, and joining in leisure activities. You will also be required to support their personal care. It is essential that you have experience of working with or caring for children. Working within a school and with children with disabilities is desirable, however not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• To assist in preparing the dining hall for lunchtime.
• To help move pupils, following the advice of therapists
• To serve pupils lunch, and assist them with feeding, including gastrostomy as required.
• To encourage social interaction with pupils.
• Assist with the personal care needs of pupils.

Key Requirements

• Experience of working with, or caring for children
• Basic IT skills
• Good range of communication skills and ability to follow instructions
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills in relation to SEN, including medical and personal care needs

OHCAT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees :

Rewards & Benefits

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme
• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)

Find out what makes OHCAT a truly rewarding place to work - visit our ‘Work for Us’ page to hear from our Chief Executive Officer, John Prior, and watch inspiring messages from students and parents about the difference our staff make every day.

Our Trust

Bedelsford School is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please our website.

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.

Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.

It is an exciting time to be part of OHCAT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the School directly. Visits to the School in advance of applications are encouraged.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in, please complete and submit the Application Form.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

To ensure a fair opportunity for all applicants, candidates who have applied for this position in the past 6 months will not be considered.

Closing Date : Tuesday 6th January 2026

Interviews will take place on : Week Commencing 12th January 2026

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.