Educational Assistant - Learning Enhancement

English Schools Foundation; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 290,000 - 469,000; Full time

Job summary

The English Schools Foundation is seeking a Full-time Educational Assistant to support students with learning needs at South Island School. The role focuses on targeted assistance for individuals and small groups within the Individual Needs Department, collaborating with teachers to promote inclusive practice in mainstream classrooms.

The ideal candidate will have experience with children, fluent English, excellent interpersonal skills, and a collaborative spirit.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children is essential.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Ability to work independently and with individuals, small groups and whole-class settings.
• Strong knowledge of positive behaviour strategies and supportive approaches is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students, working with individuals or small groups on tailored tasks and activities.
• Provide student support and implement strategies as outlined in the student support plan and by their Key Worker.
• Assist teachers by liaising effectively, providing feedback on student engagement and progress, and sharing insights on positive behaviour management strategies.
• Contribute to the school community by working as part of the team to promote the aims, ethos, and policies of the Individual Needs Department and the school at all times.
• Engage in professional development by attending relevant courses, training days, and workshops whenever possible.
• Maintain accurate records of student data and progress to inform teaching staff and support planning.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably assigned by the Line Manager.

Skills

Experience with children

English fluency

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Job description

Full-time Educational Assistant - Individual Needs

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Educational Assistant to join our outstanding Individual Needs Department at SIS. We are seeking a dedicated EA to support students with learning needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related neurodiversities. The role involves providing targeted assistance to students, collaborating closely with teachers in the Individual Needs Department, and supporting inclusive practice in mainstream classrooms alongside subject teachers.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students, working with individuals or small groups on tailored tasks and activities
• Provide student support and implement strategies as outlined in the students support plan and by their Key Worker
• Assist teachers by liaising effectively, providing feedback on student engagement and progress, and sharing insights on positive behaviour management strategies and supportive approaches
• Contribute to the school community by working as part of the team to promote the aims, ethos, and policies of the Individual Needs Department and the school at all times
• Engage in professional development by attending relevant courses, training days, and workshops whenever possible
• Maintain accurate records of student data and progress to inform teaching staff and support planning
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably assigned by the Line Manager

Requirements

• Previous working experience with children is essential
• Fluency in English is essential
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build supportive, positive, trusting relationships with students and colleagues is essential
• Ability to work independently and effectively with individual students, small groups, and in whole-class settings is essential
• Strong knowledge of positive behaviour management strategies, with experience implementing proactive, supportive approaches (such as positive reinforcement, clear expectations, visual supports, and strength-based methods) to promote engagement and reduce challenges are highly desirable
• Specialised knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related neurodiversities, including an understanding of sensory needs, communication differences, and individualised support strategies are highly desirable
• Compassionate, kind, patient, and genuinely committed to helping every student achieve their full potential
• Highly collaborative, flexible, and a strong team player

This is a term-time position, with leave without pay during the school summer holidays. Applicants must hold a valid visa permitting employment in Hong Kong.

We welcome applications from enthusiastic individuals passionate about inclusive education and supporting neurodiverse learners in a nurturing environment.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.

www.esf.edu.hk

About The Team

South Island School is a dynamic, innovative and forward-looking school located in a green setting on the south side of Hong Kong Island. It caters for 1,440 students from around 40 different nations. The school prides itself on a strong values-based philosophy, an international outlook, a personalised curriculum and very high academic standards. There is a focus on the development of students' personal qualities, fostering a skill set which is creative and contemporary and which develops community responsibility under the banner 'Making a Difference'. The school is inclusive and makes excellent provision for students with a range of individual needs.

The school is authorised by the IBO to offer the MYP (Years 1-3), the IBDP, and the IBCP.

https://sis.esf.edu.hk