SPECIAL SCHOOL EARLY YEARS ASSISTANT

John Chilton School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Greater London is seeking an Early Years Assistant to support children with complex needs. The role involves planning and delivering educational activities alongside a teacher, promoting a positive learning environment, and assisting with personal care. Candidates must have significant experience with special educational needs and a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This position is term-time only, offering a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of working with children or adults with complex and profound additional needs.
• Ability to form positive and caring relationships that motivate learning.
• Prepared to lead play-based activities and support personal care.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, development, and delivery of the curriculum.
• Promote active learning and maintain school equipment.
• Cover pre-prepared activities in the absence of a teacher.

Skills

Experience with children or adults with complex needs

Ability to form positive relationships

Initiative and spontaneity

Planning and leading play-based activities

Understanding of outdoor learning importance

Confidence with EYFS framework

Team player mentality

Subject knowledge of early phonics

Job description

SPECIAL SCHOOL EARLY YEARS ASSISTANT (32.5 hours per week – term time only)

To start as soon as possible :

Salary – Scale 7 point 23 - £31,677 (Inclusive of London weighting and Ealing supplement)

About the school

John Chilton School is a successful school for pupils who have complex physical, medical and learning difficulties. We are innovative in our approach to educate pupils with a range of cognitive, physical and medical needs (4 to 19 years) in a unique environment. The school is located on two sites and the post holder will be expected to work in the EYFS classes.

The job includes working closely with the teacher to assist in the planning, development and delivery of the curriculum; promoting active learning; organising and maintaining school equipment; supporting a positive learning environment for pupils and assisting pupils with their personal care. In the short term absence of a teacher, to cover all pre prepared activities to provide continuity for the pupils.

We are looking for someone who :

• must have significant experience of working with children or adults with complex and profound additional needs;
• Can form positive and caring relationships with children which motivates them to learn, grow and be confident;
• Shows initiative and the ability to be spontaneous;
• Enjoys planning and leading play- based activities;
• Understands the importance of the outdoor learning;
• Is confident with the EYFS framework and its assessment procedures;
• Is a good team player who is willing to contribute to the ethos and wider community of the school
• Possess excellent subject knowledge of early phonics, reading, writing and numeracy;

How to apply

Application forms and job descriptions can be downloaded from the school website. You can also contact the school to request further information by emailing.

At John Chilton School we want our staff team to reflect the rich cultural diversity of the school and local community. We would like to employ staff that help us achieve our ambition of being a proactive anti-racist school, that empowers all our pupils, staff and families, and enables all to achieve and grow.

We are committed to safer recruitment, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS). Further information can be found at online at dbs-checking-service-guidance 2

Candidates who have lived or worked abroad may require an overseas police check and may be asked to provide a good conduct certificate. Further information can be found at on gov uk website.

In line with KCSIE 2025 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children.

It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Closing date : Wednesday 7 January 2026, noon

Interviews : Week beginning 12 January 2026

How to apply : An application pack is available from the school website : John Chilton School under our vacancies page. We do not accept CV's. Application pack will be viewable on our website from 9.12.25