Play Assistant

Dysart School; London; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Job summary

Dysart School seeks dedicated Play Assistants to support pupils with severe learning disabilities in a nurturing environment. The role involves working across multiple sites to assist with personal care, engaging in play, and contributing to the overall development of young people aged 4 to 19. Training and support are provided to develop your skills in this rewarding position.

Qualifications

• Experience with severe learning disabilities or autism preferred.
• Ability to engage and support young people positively.

Responsibilities

• Assist pupils with personal care, feeding, and play activities.
• Support lunchtime activities and interact with pupils during breaks.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Empathy

Job description

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Locations: Dysart School, 190 Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 5BB (Main site)

Satellite provisions

Tolworth – School Lane, Surbiton, KT6 7QH

North Kingston - Dysart School, Latchmere Road, North Kingston KT2 5TU

Hours: 12.5 hours per week, term time only

Dysart School is an Outstanding special school for 150 pupils aged 4 to 19 who have a range of severe and complex learning difficulties. The School has high expectations for its pupils and believe there is no limit to their potential.

Its main site, located in Surbiton, is bright and well equipped to support the development of its pupils including Early Years classrooms with outdoor learning spaces, a dedicated post-16 hub, accessible swimming pool, sensory room, soft play and adventure play areas and generous grounds equipped for play and outdoor learning.

In addition Dysart School runs two satellite sites next to mainstream schools in the local area to help meet the need for high-quality SEN places in the borough of Kingston.

Dysart School is a progressive and innovative place to work and staff are offered opportunities through regular training and support to develop their own practice. To find out more about us visit our school website

Are you interested in supporting young people with severe learning disabilities, with autistic spectrum conditions or with profound and multiple learning disabilities?

At Dysart School we are looking to recruit Play Assistants to work alongside our pupils who range from 4 to 19 years old. We currently have three sites for our learners in Surbiton KT6 6HL, Tolworth KT6 7QJ and north Kingston KT2 5TU and will be opening a new provision in September 2025 also at north Kingston.

We are looking for staff to work over lunchtime to help play with, feed and look after the personal care of pupils with severe and complex learning disabilities.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.

Dysart School is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, an established family of specialist academies and college centres that provide for over 1500 pupils and students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website

For an informal discussion about the role, candidates are invited to contact Penny Jelbert via email

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. If you have any queries, please contact Penny Jelbert via email

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.

Please note that CV applications will not be considered.

Closing Date: Tuesday 8 July 2025

Interviews will take place on: w/c 14 July 2025

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.