Support Assistant (2 posts)

Durham County Council; Benfieldside; On-site; GBP 20,000; Part time

Job summary

A local educational authority in Benfieldside is seeking a Support Assistant to enhance care and support for students with special needs. The ideal candidate will be dynamic, enthusiastic, and ready to contribute to a friendly school environment. Responsibilities include assisting with learning, leading therapy groups, maintaining hygiene, and supporting students' daily activities. This part-time position offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students while working in a nurturing setting.

Benefits

27 to 32 days annual leave depending on service

Job security with a permanent contract

Inclusive work culture

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting students with SLD, PMLD, and Autism required.
• Ability to assist with personal care and hygiene needs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with learning in class as directed by a teacher.
• Leading 1:1 or small groups for SALT, Physio and Occupational Therapy.
• Cleaning and changing pupils and students who have poor or no bowel and/or bladder control.

Skills

Dynamic and enthusiastic

Experience with special needs education

Ability to assist with various hygiene needs

Team collaboration skills

Education

Relevant experience or training in education or care

Job description

Support Assistant
Grade 1 Point 3
£24,796 pro rata
Permanent, part time, term time only
32.5 hours, Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 4.00pm
Required to start as soon as possible

Villa Real School is an all‑age 2 to 19‑year‑old Special School with pupils with SLD, PMLD and Autism. The Governors are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Support Assistant to enhance care and support, with knowledge of students who have a high level of need.

A rare opportunity has arisen within our fantastic special school. We are seeking an ambitious Support Assistant to complement our class teams.

Villa Real is a truly wonderful place to work. It is a special place to visit and provides the children and families it supports great opportunities. Our children are taught via a bespoke curriculum that meets their needs.

We offer a happy, caring and stimulating environment, where everybody is welcomed and respected. Our ethos and core values support this model and are lived out in the daily work of the school and within the community.

Our ambition, and yours, will be that Villa Real will continue to be a centre of excellence for promoting the latest inclusive practices within education; locally, regionally and nationally. Our pupils deserve an education that will change their lives and give them the opportunity to fulfil their full potential, and in turn the successful candidate will enjoy a fulfilling career, releasing your potential and maximising your impact in a forward‑thinking and innovative ethos.

Responsibilities

1. Assisting with learning in class as directed by a teacher
2. Leading 1:1 or small groups for SALT, Physio and Occupational Therapy
3. Leading 1:1 or small groups in literacy and numeracy
4. Cleaning and changing pupils and students who have poor or no bowel and/or bladder control
5. General hygiene and care of all pupils and students as necessary, assisting pupils with dressing/undressing, toileting, washing, showering, menstruation, nose wiping, etc.
6. Hoisting and positioning of pupils/students
7. 1:1 feeding or group eating and feeding as directed, assisting with the development of skills associated with independence, appropriate social behaviour and good manners
8. Assist with yard duty
9. Daily laundry
10. Cleaning and hygiene of specialist seating and spills
11. Escorting pupils to and from home/school transport or outdoor activities or trips
12. Preparation of drinks and hygiene and care of all specialist feeding/drinking equipment in the classroom
13. Assisting with hydrotherapy, PE and other similar activities
14. Assisting as required by the Head Teacher in any way that is consistent with the level and training of the job; for the benefit of the pupils and students and for the smooth running of the school

Durham County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce and we positively welcome applicants from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

Closing date: 14th January 2026 at 9am
Interview date: w/c 26th January 2026
Application forms should be returned to the school.

Pay & Leave

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days)
• Individual leave entitlement – 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days) depending on length of continuous service

Employees with less than 5 years’ service: 27 days annual leave.
Employees with more than 5 years’ service: 32 days annual leave.

Example calculations:
For employees with less than 5 years’ service: 38 weeks (term time) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 45 weeks’ pay, paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.
For employees with more than 5 years’ service: 38 weeks (term time) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 46 weeks’ pay, paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.

Villa Real School
Villa Real Road
Consett
Co. Durham
DH8 6BH

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.villarealschool.co.uk