Job Introduction
Special Needs Assistant 1:1 – Temporary Contract
Closing date: Monday 2nd November 2026 12 noon
Interview date: Monday 9th November 2026
Job start date: December 2026
Contract / hours: Temporary, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 3.30pm Term Time only. 39 weeks per year.
Salary type: B grade - £25,615 Full time Equivalent Salary.
Contact email address: adminoffice@st-marys-jun.hants.sch.uk
This appointment will be a 1:1 role supporting a child with additional needs and is of a temporary nature due to the identified budget provision to provide SEND support in the school to individual children. The contract is likely to last for at least one academic year and could potentially be extended.
We are looking for someone who:
- Understands the importance of confidentiality, professional boundaries and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Has a caring, calm and patient approach to supporting children.
- Recognises that positive, trusting relationships are the foundation of successful inclusion and can build strong connections with children, families and colleagues to support children's wellbeing, engagement and progress.
- Understands that every child is unique and that their needs may vary.
- Is flexible, creative and resourceful, and able to use their own initiative.
- Understands that behaviour is a form of communication and responds to children with empathy, consistency and positive support strategies.
- Is committed to ongoing learning and professional development.
- Is willing to work closely with class teachers, the SENDCo and external professionals to implement individual support strategies.
- Has an understanding of, and ideally experience in, supporting children with their learning, communication, social and emotional development, and behavioural needs, enabling them to thrive within the school environment.
Ideally the candidate will:
- Have knowledge of, and ideally experience supporting, children with SEND, including Autism and ADHD.
- Have experience of using visual support tools such as Widgit symbols, visual timetables and communication aids.
- Understand the principles of Ordinarily Available Provision and inclusive practice within a mainstream school setting.
Previous experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs is desirable.
We can offer you
- A supportive and enjoyable working environment, where every member of staff is valued.
- A friendly and welcoming team with opportunities for professional development.
- A well-resourced school with a supportive, fun and forward-thinking team.
- A school rooted firmly in our local community.
- HCC pension schemes.
- Support for staff wellbeing.
Application procedure
Please send your completed Hampshire Support staff application form to adminoffice@st-marys-jun.hants.sch.uk
If you think that you are the person we are looking for and you would like to join our team, we would love to hear from you. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and we would be delighted to meet candidates show them around the school and discuss the post further. For further information, please email our Business and Administrations Manager, Sarah Cooper, adminoffice@st-marys-jun.hants.sch.uk or call the school office on 01256 465092
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.
