Salary: £18,235.86 - £19,758.69 (based on 30 hours per wee
‘Valued . Independent . Enriched . Worthwhile’Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs? We are seeking a caring, patient and enthusiastic Lifeguard / Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team at Kingfisher School.This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), while also taking responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of pupils during swimming sessions.Kingfisher School provides an exciting and well-designed learning environment for pupils aged 2-19, who have severe, complex or profound needs, including Autism. Part of The Propeller Academy Trust, our school is an amazing place where our dedicated team work together to offer the absolute best for our young people.
About the Role
- Act as the main lifeguard during swimming sessions, maintaining poolside safety and responding effectively to emergencies.
- Supervise pupils in and around the pool, ensuring safety procedures and pool rules are followed.
- Carry out regular poolside safety checks and help maintain a clean, safe swimming environment.
- Support pupils with learning activities, communication, emotional regulation and personal care.
- Help pupils develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.
- Adapt support to meet individual needs, including using signing and other communication systems where required.
- Support pupils with medical and complex care needs, following appropriate training and agreed procedures.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, swimming instructors and other professionals to deliver inclusive learning experiences.
- Assist with individual and small-group learning activities, following teacher planning and individual education programmes.
- Contribute to pupil progress records, assessments and reviews.
- Promote a safe, stimulating and supportive learning environment.
- Competitive salary
- Full induction programme and ongoing CPD, including specialist SEN training
- Paid wellbeing days, free flu vaccinations and on-site parking
- Flexible working options (part-time or job share considered)
- Local Government Pension (LGPS)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Refer-a-friend scheme (earn up to £500)
- A strong, therapeutic and supportive school culture
About You
- Caring, patient and compassionate, with a genuine commitment to helping every pupil achieve their potential.
- Confident in and around water, with strong swimming ability.
- Hold a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), or be willing to obtain the qualification.
- Hold GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above.
- Hold a first-aid qualification, or be willing to undertake appropriate training.
- Have experience working with children or young people, preferably in a school or educational setting.
- Have good literacy, numeracy, ICT and communication skills.
- Be able to build positive relationships with children, young people and adults.
- Be able to adapt support to meet individual needs, including those of pupils with complex learning needs and autism.
- Remain calm, alert and professional, particularly in challenging or emergency situations.
- Have strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Be reliable, responsible and safety-conscious, with a strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and pupil wellbeing.
- Be dedicated to promoting pupils' independence, confidence and self-esteem.
£18,235.86-£19,758.69 (based on 30 hrs per week)