Student Support Assistant (REP)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Westerham; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Golden hello

Pension with life cover

Fully funded training

Staff wellbeing sessions

Retail discounts

Free on-site parking

Overnight staff accommodation

Job summary

Valence School is seeking Residential Education Support Staff to assist students with disabilities and complex needs in both classroom and residential settings. The role focuses on personal care, mealtime support, medication administration, and care plans that promote independence.

Shifts run from 7am to 10pm, full- or part-time, with substantial moving and handling. Enhanced DBS check is required; visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering personal care and mealtime support.
• Ability to follow care plans and promote independence.
• Excellent communication with staff and multidisciplinary teams.
• Safeguarding awareness and compliant practice.

Responsibilities

• Support students in education and residential settings.
• Implement and monitor care plans to promote independence.
• Assist with personal care, meals, and mobility.
• Administer prescribed medications and support gastrostomy feeds.
• Attend required training and safeguarding updates.
• Record and report information promptly and accurately.
• Support activity participation aligned with Preparing for Adulthood.
• Ensure safe moving and handling during duties.

Skills

Physical support

Communication

Teamwork

Safeguarding

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

GCSEs in English & Maths

Job description

Residential Education Support Staff post at Valence School, working across both classroom and residential settings for students with disabilities and complex needs. The work centres on personal care, mealtime help, medication and gastrostomy feeds, and care plans that build independence and life skills. Shifts run on set patterns between 7am and 10pm, full or part time, with a substantial amount of moving and handling. Visa sponsorship is not available, and an enhanced DBS check is required.

What the job involves

• Support students across education and residential settings, including personal care and mealtime assistance, to develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally
• Implement care support plans and promote students' independence
• Communicate with staff and multi-disciplinary departments to keep care consistent
• Support students who need medical interventions, following emergency procedures and risk assessments
• Prepare and administer medication, including supporting gastrostomy feeds where needed
• Attend required training
• Enable participation in activities aligned with the Preparing for Adulthood framework
• Study towards a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, if applicable
• Record and report information accurately and promptly
• Carry out a substantial amount of moving and handling and personal care

Skills & knowledge

• Physically capable of safely supporting students with disabilities and complex medical needs
• Patient, positive and adaptable, with resilience and a flexible attitude
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Strong safeguarding awareness

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check (post exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act)

Other

• Committed to professional development, including the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, if applicable

Nice to have

• Experience in school or residential settings
• GCSEs in English and Maths
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
• Knowledge of SEND

What's offered

• £500 golden hello payment, prorated for part-time posts
• Generous pension scheme with life cover
• Fully funded qualifications and training
• Staff wellbeing sessions and support
• Retail discounts and subsidised meals
• Free on-site parking
• On-site overnight staff accommodation for those working a 10pm late shift followed by a 7am early shift