Job Introduction
Samuel Cody School is a special school for students aged 4 -16 with moderate learning difficulties in our primary and secondary buildings and SEMH difficulties at Cody Oaks.
Our school is a successful, friendly and forward-thinking school where everyone is encouraged to do their best and achieve their full potential; a place where everybody is valued and respected. We pride ourselves on the strong relationships staff build with students and as a result we experience highly rewarding impact on students’ communication, independence, and personal development.
Our primary students have the opportunity to take part in experiential activities such as KAPES (interactive and engaging sensory sessions) and animal visits and off site activities for example swimming and the special school Christmas service at Winchester Cathedral.
The primary department is expertly led by our primary lead with the support of the Headteacher. After a period of growth, we are now heavily investing in continuous provision and working with the local authority to provide the very best experience for our students. We access support from both internal and external therapeutic teams.
Person Specification:
Empathy with pupils and sympathetic to their needs
Trained at least to NVQ 3 or equivalent
At least 4 years relevant experience in a teaching/learning/child support working environment (eg as Learning Support Assistant)
Experience of having worked without the close presence of a teacher (eg as a Learning Support Assistant taking large groups of children or as a Cover Supervisor)
Knowledge of curriculum especially literacy and numeracy requirements and good personal literacy and numeracy skills
Good communication skills and able to clarify and explain instructions clearly to both pupils and Cover Team
Professionally discrete and able to respect confidentiality on particular issues
Well developed interpersonal skills enabling effective relationships with a variety of different people
Team Worker
Specialised training regarding lesson cover supervision and behaviour management, supporting other supervisors and effective deployment of the team on a daily basis
ICT literate in appropriate systems
Context/Additional Information
Due to the nature of the role, the postholder will need to adapt to different classes and groups of children and will therefore need to demonstrate flexibility.
The postholder will also have to consider the skills, experience and development needs to the cover team to consider how they will adapt to different classes and groups of children
It has a high confidentiality component and needs to hold the trust of both the pupils and colleagues. It may include acquiring information on child protection/family sensitive issues which must be treated carefully and appropriately.
The size and type of school will be a factor in determining how the role operates as will the physical site of the school.
Key Accountabilities:
Support for Students
To supervise whole single classes of students using material planned by a teacher to engage students in learning activities.
Establish productive working relationships with students acting as a role model and setting high expectations of work and behaviour.
Assisting the inclusion of all children to ensure optimum learning opportunities including dealing.
Respond to students’ general queries and keep students on task.
Support for Teachers
Provide objective and accurate feedback to the teacher on the conduct of the lesson including keeping appropriate records as agreed with the teacher.
Comply with instructions requested by the usual class teacher.
Promote positive values, attitudes and good student behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encourage students to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
Support for Curriculum
Make appropriate use of equipment and resources.
Comply with lesson plans and instructions from class teacher.
Support for School
To oversee and organise the duties of the cover team, making most effective use of individual strengths within the team and development opportunities for individuals
Maintain awareness of the team’s training requirements and providers for this. Line management and performance management of the cover team
Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, equal opportunities, health and safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
Undertaking playtime or lunchtime supervision of pupils.
In line with the operational needs of the school, undertake other duties (e.g. supervising examinations) when needed.
Participate in training and continuing professional development.
Attend relevant school meetings as required.
Closing Date: 1 May 2026
Start Date: 1 September 2026
For an appointment to tour the school please email recruitment@samuelcody.hants.sch.uk or call 01252 514194
Applicants are required to fill in an application form
Please send completed application forms to recruitment@samuelcody.hants.sch.uk
Safer Recruitment
We 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 Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Attached documents
