Special School Assistant

Southampton City Council; Southampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

CPD opportunities

Pension scheme

Employee wellbeing support

Mental health support

Job summary

Springwell School in Southampton is seeking compassionate Special School Assistants to join our team at the Main site on Hinkler Road and the EYFS provision in Wood Close, Sholing. You will work with teachers, therapists and support staff to help pupils access learning, develop independence and enjoy a safe, engaging school experience.

We value patience, resilience and teamwork. The role involves supporting children with complex needs, following individual plans, and providing personal care when

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with additional needs is desirable.
• Willing to learn safeguarding and SEN approaches.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow school policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with complex learning and behavioural needs.
• Assist with implementing individual learning plans and behaviour strategies.
• Support pupils in classroom, therapies and around the school environment.
• Promote positive relationships, emotional wellbeing and independence.
• Create a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to support pupil progress.
• Provide personal care where required (training provided).

Skills

Patient

Team player

Resilient

Good communicator

Job description

Springwell School is located on the edge of the city of Southampton and is a designated day special school for children aged from 4 - 11 years. We are a warm, ambitious, and inclusive Special Educational Needs (SEN) school committed to providing high quality education and care for children with a range of complex learning and behavioural needs. Our pupils thrive in an environment where every achievement is celebrated, individuality is valued, and nurturing relationships come first. The school encourages a supportive and positive learning ethos that enables both staff and pupils to work and learn together to develop their full potential, providing the highest possible standards of education and support to children, families, and staff.

The Role

We are seeking compassionate, enthusiastic, and resilient Special School Assistants to join our dedicated team both at our Main site in Hinkler Road and our EYFS provision in Wood Close, Sholing. You will work closely with teachers, therapists, and other support staff to help pupils access learning, develop independence, and enjoy a safe, engaging, and positive school experience. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and is ready to make a meaningful difference every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with a range of complex learning and behavioural needs.
• Assist with implementing individual learning plans and behaviour support strategies.
• Support pupils in the classroom, during therapies, and around the school environment.
• Promote positive relationships, emotional wellbeing and independence.
• Contribute to creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and wider staff to support pupil progress.
• Provide personal care where required (training provided).

About You

• Patient, caring and committed to the wellbeing of children with additional needs.
• Able to work flexibly, stay calm under pressure, use initiative and be a positive role model
• A strong communicator who can work well as part of a team.
• Willing to learn and take on training, including Safeguarding and specialised SEN approaches.
• Experienced within a school or in SEN setting (desirable but not essential).
• Proven teaching strategies such as PECS
• Able to deal with challenging behaviour and provide welfare support in accordance with school policies
• Resilient and reliable
• Committed to the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding

What we offer

• Competitive salary with regular salary progression
• Opportunities for CPD
• Free on-site parking
• Pension Scheme
• High-quality support and training
• Monday – Friday working pattern
• Excellent development opportunities to grow within a positive and supportive team
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
• A rewarding role where you can genuinely make a difference

Working pattern – 30 Hours Monday and Friday: 08:45 am – 1.25 pm Tuesday – Thursday: 08:55 am – 3:15 pm

Please note that we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive applications that meet the criteria. We may also interview candidates at a mutually convenient time before the closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.