Job Introduction
Vacancy: Special Needs Assistant
Full Time - 30 hours per week (8.30-3.30 with a one hour break) for 40 weeks of the year
EHCC Grade C - Salary Dependent on experience
Are you passionate about supporting children with SEND? Do you want to work in a role where you can really make a difference for some of our most vulnerable children?
An exciting opportunity has arisen in our friendly school to join our highly valued support staff team. We are looking for a flexible, child-centred professional with a ‘can do’ outlook to work in our forward-thinking, inclusive primary school.
The role will initially be based in the Early Years Foundation Stage, although LSAs are used flexibly across the school. We are ideally looking for someone with some experience of the Early Years curriculum, and so would warmly welcome applications from primary school LSAs and pre-school/nursery practitioners. However, this role may also suit someone from a medical, nursing or care background, but full training will be given.
You will work alongside other LSAs in the setting taking the lead in supporting a child in Early Years with an EHCP who has a physical disability along with specific medical needs. You would be expected to support the child to be able to physically access the environment as well as support with intimate care and medical procedures. There will be a degree of manual handling involved.
This will be a full-time role (Monday-Friday 8:30-3:30 with a one hour lunch break) for 40 weeks of the year. There is also an option to work lunch time.
The salary offered is Grade C (£24,405 - £25,430 Pro-rata) and is dependent on experience.
It is important to us that we recruit someone who believes in our school ethos of “Sowing the Seeds of Success” and works hard to demonstrate our core values:
Respectful, Reflective, Aspirational, Independent, Collaborative and Adaptable.
We may be able to be flexible with hours for the right candidate
As part of the Early Years team, you will be expected to:
Work as a team to ensure a consistent approach, advocating for your 1-1 child and being creative with ideas that would inspire as well as allow them to access the full curriculum
Be a partner in play for your 1-1 child and other children in the setting alongside the rest of the team
Undertake observations, implement planning and create new opportunities for the children to be involved in collaboration and exploration
Maintain accurate records and contribute to review meetings.
The successful candidate will:
Have experience of working in a school setting or caring for children (or adults) with special educational or medical needs
Have GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths
Have good IT skills
Be flexible and proactive and enjoy the challenge of a varied work day
Be good role model to children and have high expectations of themselves and others
Have good communication skills - communicating effectively with parents making good relationships with them
Work with the EYFS Leader, school SENCO and other outside advisory agencies to ensure that the school is meeting the child’s needs effectively
Be sensitive and kind, building a trusted relationship with the child that you are working with
Uphold confidentiality at all times
Be patient and remain calm in stressful situations
Enjoy the hands-on, active nature of the Early Years including outdoor learning in all weathers!
Be prepared to become fully involved in the life of our school and community
Holds a relevant qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning) or have equivalent experience.
Knowledge of the EYFS curriculum would be an advantage, although full training will be provided.
As a school we can offer:
A strong focus on inclusion and all children fulfilling their potential
A working environment in which everyone is valued
Resources and training to enable you to carry out your role effectively, including regular LSA development meetings
Support within the school to develop your practice, skills and understanding
A hard-working, trusting and supportive team which has the learning, enjoyment and well-being of our children at the heart of everything that we do
Children who love learning.
Visits are warmly welcomed. If you would like an informal chat about the role or have any questions before applying, please contact Emma Street, SENCo by emailing adminoffice@wellstead.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.