SPECIAL SCHOOL EARLY YEARS ASSISTANT. Job in London Education & Training Jobs

John Chilton School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A special educational institution in Greater London is seeking an Early Years Assistant to support children with complex needs. The role involves assisting teachers in delivering the curriculum, promoting active learning, and ensuring a positive environment. Ideal candidates will have experience working with complex needs, strong relationship-building skills, and a thorough understanding of the EYFS framework. This is a term-time role with a competitive salary, starting as soon as possible.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of working with children or adults with complex needs.
• Ability to form caring relationships that motivate learning.
• Shows initiative and enjoys leading play-based activities.
• Confident with EYFS framework for assessment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and delivery of the curriculum.
• Promote active learning and maintain school equipment.
• Support pupils with personal care and learning activities.
• Cover activities in the absence of a teacher.

Skills

Experience with children or adults with complex needs

Ability to form positive and caring relationships

Initiative and spontaneity

Ability to plan and lead play-based activities

Understanding of outdoor learning

Confident with EYFS framework

Good team player

Excellent subject knowledge of early phonics and numeracy

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.

Qualifications

• 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 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.
• Possesses 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 online at the DBS checking service guidance.

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 on the UK government 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 candidate 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 CVs. The application pack will be viewable on our website from 9.12.25.