Special Needs Assistant

Job Introduction

Hours: 27.5 hours per week (39 weeks per year)   Note: Part time hours would be considered for the right candidate
Contract: Fixed Term until 31/8/2026
Salary: Grade B2.  FTE: £25615

Are you passionate about making a real difference to children's experiences at school?

Padnell Infant School is seeking a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Special Needs Assistant to join our friendly, community-focused infant school team.

This rewarding role involves supporting children with additional learning needs within our mainstream Year R classes, helping them to access learning, develop independence and achieve their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

At Padnell, we believe that children have the right to a childhood as well as an education. Our creative, inclusive and child-centred approach provides opportunities for children to learn, develop confidence, build relationships and enjoy being children, enabling them to thrive both personally and academically.

The ideal candidate will be positive, conscientious and adaptable, with high expectations of themselves and others. You will embrace our GROW values and share our determination to help every child succeed.
    
 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.
• Hold a Team Teach or Positive Handling qualification; however, training can be provided for the right candidate.

We can offer:

• A friendly, welcoming and motivated staff team within an inclusive school community.
• Support and guidance from experienced colleagues.
• A commitment to high-quality professional development as we all embrace the school's GROW values.
• A well-resourced learning environment, including access to Joey's Field, our Forest School provision.
• Enthusiastic, happy children who enjoy learning, will make you smile and remind you every day why your role matters.

Above all, the successful candidate will be a valued member of our team, helping every child to feel safe, supported and successful within our school community.

Application Procedure  

If you would like to see our school in action and learn more about what makes Padnell such a special place to work, we warmly welcome visits. Please contact Nikki Thundercliffe (n.thundercliffe@padnell-inf.hants.sch.uk) to arrange a visit.

If you would like to apply for this position, please complete the Support Staff Application Form and email to Nikki Thundercliffe (n.thundercliffe@padnell-inf.hants.sch.uk), by midday on Wednesday 14th October 2026.  

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by midday on Friday 16th October 2026.
Interviews will take place during the afternoon of Monday 19th October 2026.

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.