Special Support Assistant

Schools; Chichester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension

CPD opportunities

Staff discounts via West SussexChoices

Health & wellbeing benefits

Travel and commuting discounts

Job summary

Fordwater School is seeking a Special Support Assistant to join our warm and inclusive environment. The role is 30.5 hours per week, term-time only, with a permanent, part-time contract. Salary is WSCC Grade 6 (£19,993.96) per year, reflecting grade and term-time working patterns.

We value caring, organised, and collaborative staff who can support children aged 2-19 with diverse SEN needs. Training and career development are emphasised, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding and welfare.

Qualifications

• Caring and understanding of children’s needs.
• High expectations of behaviour and attainment.
• Very well organised & efficient.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Experience of directly working with children with SEN.

Skills

Caring

Team player

Organised

SEN experience

High expectations

Job description

Special Support Assistant

Hours: 30.5 per week, 5 days a week 8.45am to 3.15pm, term time only

Salary: WSCC Grade 6 £19,993.96

Contract Type: Permanent, Part time, Term time only

Fordwater is a special school for children age 2-19 years with a range of special educational and complex learning needs including PMLD, SLD, and ASC.

We are looking for Special Support Assistants who:

• are caring and understanding of children’s needs
• have high expectations of children’s behaviour and attainment
• are very well organised & efficient
• are able to work as part of a team
• has experience of directly working with children with SEN

We can offer you:

• a happy, positive, vibrant working environment
• an inclusive school with a wide and diverse community
• talented, enthusiastic and supportive colleagues who are committed to continuous improvement
• A highly specialist teaching and learning environment
• Excellent opportunities for CPD
• A warm positive working environment where everyone is valued

As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

As a member of staff, you will have access to a range of benefits including:

• a competitive salary
• an excellent local government pension scheme
• maternity, paternity, dependencyand adoption leave
• training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring
• a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform (see our Staff discounts page if you are a business looking to offer a discount)
• discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• a range of commuting and business travel discount and initiatives
• health and wellbeing benefits including access to our Employee Assistance Programme,Mental Health First Aiders and Voluntary Health Cash Plans
• salary finance schemes
• working for a veteran-friendly employer.

https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/jobs/rewards-and-benefits/

Safeguarding Statement

Fordwater School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.

Fordwater is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will require a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and two references, including one from their most recent employer.

Interviews: Tuesday 17th November 2026

Closing Date: Wednesday 11th November 2026 - 12 noon

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