Special School Assistant (16190)

Southampton City Council; Southampton; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Southampton is seeking a Special School Assistant to support children aged 4-11 with complex learning difficulties. The role includes monitoring progress, encouraging good behaviour, and fostering independent learning. Previous experience with children is desirable. The position offers competitive salary, training opportunities, and a positive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary with regular progression

Opportunities for CPD

Free on-site parking

Pension Scheme

Support and training

Excellent development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Qualifications

• Previous experience of working with children within a school setting is desirable.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Support and motivate the children and encourage independent learning.
• Monitor and record pupils' progress.
• Encourage and support good behaviour, acting as a positive role model.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Enthusiasm, reliability and resilience

Proven teaching strategies (e.g., PECS)

Strong sense of teamwork

Job description

Special School Assistant (16190)

Southampton City Council, UK

£24,795 per year - estimated ?
Full time
NEW

Working with young people can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying jobs. It can be hard and resilience must be high, but building these relationships with young people, being their constant and believing in their value can significantly change their future – the rewards will certainly outweigh the challenges!

Springwell School is located on the edge of the city of Southampton in Thornhill. We are a large, designated day special school for children aged from 4 to 11 years with complex learning difficulties including speech and language disorders, autism and challenging behaviours.

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.

We are looking to recruit to a number of full time Special School Assistant roles across all key stages who are committed, motivational and have the enthusiasm to make a difference to our pupils' lives.

In our most recent published Ofsted inspection report (June 2023), we are exceptionally proud to be maintaining our Outstanding rating for the 4th consecutive time with Ofsted commenting, “Staff are proud to work in the school. One said, ‘We’re a really strong team’. They feel that leaders are thoughtful about workload and responsive to feedback.”

No two days are ever the same, sometimes they are challenging, but always positive!

What can we offer you?

• Competitive salary with regular salary progression
• Opportunities for CPD
• Free on-site parking
• Pension Scheme
• 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

Your contribution

• Support and motivate the children and encourage independent learning
• Monitor and record pupils' progress
• Encourage and support good behaviour, acting as a positive role model
• Deal with challenging behaviour and provide welfare support in accordance with school policies
• Provide welfare support, including basic first aid and attending to personal hygiene
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the specific academic, physical, behavioural and emotional needs of individuals and groups

What will you need?

• Previous experience of working with children within a school setting is desirable
• Proven teaching strategies such as PECS
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to liaise with staff at all levels
• Enthusiasm, reliability and resilience
• Strong sense of teamwork
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for the full responsibilities of this role and the knowledge required.

Working pattern – 30 Hours per week

Monday and Friday: 8:45 am – 3:15 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 8:55 am – 3:15 pm

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form on www.springwellschool.net and return it to Rachel Ambrey, HR Lead, by email to [e-mail]. Alternatively, please post your completed application to HR at Springwell School, Hinkler Road, Thornhill, Southampton, SO19 6DH. We do not accept CVs.

Interview process

If successfully shortlisted, you will complete an observation in class prior to a two‑panel, face‑to‑face interview.

Safeguarding

Springwell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full Safer Recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and a full online check of social media platforms as per the updated guidance in KCSIE 2022.

Contact

Rachel Ambrey, HR Lead – [e-mail]