SEND Personal Care Assistant

Polaris Community; Batley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Job summary

Polaris Education – Becker School in Batley seeks a dedicated SEND Personal Care Assistant to join its team. You will support pupils with special educational needs, helping with personal care, daily routines, and learning activities within a nurturing school environment.

The role requires experience with children in educational settings, safeguarding knowledge, and a collaborative approach to support plans under the direction of teachers and the Deputy Headteacher.

Qualifications

• A good standard of general education, including proven numeracy and literacy skills.
• Relevant experience of working with children in a learning environment or nursery setting.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Learning Support qualification at NVQ Level 2 or above, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with personal care throughout the school day.
• Assist pupils with daily activities such as washing, dressing, eating and toileting.
• Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and care.
• Work with teachers to promote inclusive practice.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Child development knowledge

Adaptability

Motivation & feedback

Confidentiality

Education

Learning Support NVQ2 or equivalent

Job description

Polaris Education – Becker School
SEND Personal Care Assistant
Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only
Basic Salary: £21,257.48 – £23,232.69
Location: Batley, West Yorkshire

• Company pension
• Life Assurance
• Employee Discount Scheme

Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its pupils? If so, our new school in Batley could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

About the School

Located in Batley, Becker School offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils with ASC/SEMH needs aged 5–13.

With significant investment and an abundance of new resources, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape and mould the school to create a supportive environment that promotes self-discipline and engagement and inspires learning. Our mission is to provide each pupil with a diverse and appropriate education that encourages aspiration and achievement.

Our school forms part of the Polaris Community, which has been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our growing portfolio of schools across the UK.

We’re incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected education services have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Job Summary

• Support children with special educational needs, providing learning, care and personal support
• Work as part of the school team to develop personal care programmes for pupils
• Assist with daily routines such as feeding, dressing, toileting, including nappy changes, and hygiene
• Support pupils with learning, personal care and social interaction
• Work proactively across the school to promote inclusive practice and maintain good order in the classroom
• Monitor pupils’ progress through observation and assessment
• Record and report on pupils’ achievement, progress and development

Main Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with their individual personal care programmes throughout the school day, including personal hygiene, toileting, continence support, eating and drinking
• Assist pupils with daily activities such as washing, dressing, eating and toileting, including nappy changes
• Provide practical assistance with other identified physical needs, including dressing and mealtimes
• Maintain and clean personal care equipment, materials and clothing as required
• Monitor and replenish toiletry supplies
• Provide personal assistance to identified pupils during physical and practical activities, including physical education, cookery, school trips and therapeutic activities organised by the school
• Maintain accurate records relating to personal care in conjunction with the appropriate teacher
• Work in cooperation with other key workers involved in supporting pupils’ educational and healthcare needs under the guidance of the class teacher or Deputy Headteacher
• Liaise with parents and carers to ensure continuity of care
• Promote inclusion and acceptance of all pupils by encouraging positive interaction and engagement in teacher-led activities

Qualifications

A good standard of general education, including proven numeracy and literacy skills.

Experience

Relevant experience of working with children in a learning environment or nursery setting.

Skills and Abilities

• A good understanding of child development and relevant legal and safeguarding requirements relating to safety, dignity and care
• A mature and sensitive manner with excellent interpersonal skills
• The ability to work calmly under pressure and adapt quickly and effectively to changing circumstances
• The ability to work confidentially and efficiently, using your own initiative
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and take a flexible approach to daily routines
• The ability to inform, persuade, inspire and motivate pupils and provide feedback to professionals, parents and carers as required

Knowledge

• Knowledge of procedures for providing personal care support to children and young people
• Ability to accurately record observations as required
• Knowledge and understanding of child protection and safeguarding practices and protocols
• Knowledge or understanding of working with children with special educational needs, especially Autism or those with speech and language difficulties
• A Learning Support qualification at NVQ Level 2 or above, or equivalent

What We Offer

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone (you included!)
• Support for your professional development through a wide range of learning opportunities
• An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe educational provision
• A friendly and inclusive team that is passionate about improving pupil outcomes

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Community.

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.