Special School Assistant-Springwell School

An exciting opportunity has arisen for compassionate, enthusiastic and resilient Special School Assistants to join the dedicated team at Springwell School.

Springwell is a warm, ambitious and inclusive special school, supporting children aged 4–11 with a range of complex learning and behavioural needs. We are committed to providing high-quality education and care within an environment where every achievement is celebrated, individuality is valued and nurturing relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

Our pupils are at the centre of our school community, and we aim to give every child the support, encouragement and opportunities they need to develop their independence, confidence and full potential.

Role details

Role: Special School Assistant
School: Springwell School
Salary: Grade 6, SCP 12–17
Actual salary: £20,776–£23,035 per annum
Hours: 30 hours per week, term time only
Contract: Permanent
Start date: As soon as possible
Closing date: This vacancy is open on a rolling basis

The role

Working closely with teachers, therapists and other support staff, you will play an important part in helping pupils access learning, develop their independence and enjoy a safe, positive and engaging school experience.

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days will be exactly the same. You will provide tailored support to children with a range of complex learning and behavioural needs, both within the classroom and across the wider school environment.

You will:

• Support pupils to access learning and take part fully in school life.
• Help implement individual learning plans and behaviour support strategies.
• Support pupils during classroom activities, therapies and throughout the school day.
• Promote positive relationships, emotional wellbeing and independence.
• Help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and the wider school team to support pupil progress.
• Provide personal care where required, with appropriate training provided.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to ensuring every child feels safe, valued and supported and has the opportunity to achieve their potential.

About you

We would love to hear from you if you are:

• Patient, caring and genuinely committed to supporting children with additional needs.
• Resilient, reliable and able to remain calm when faced with challenging situations.
• Flexible and confident using your own initiative.
• A positive role model with strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Committed to safeguarding, confidentiality and the wellbeing of children.
• Willing to learn and undertake training, including safeguarding and specialist SEN approaches.
• Able to support positive behaviour in line with school policies.

Experience of working within a school or SEN setting would be an advantage but is not essential. Knowledge of appropriate teaching and communication strategies, including the use of symbols, would also be beneficial.

What we can offer you

Joining Springwell means becoming part of a positive and supportive team where you will have the opportunity to develop your skills while making a genuine difference to children's lives.

We offer:

• Competitive salary with salary progression.
• High-quality training and ongoing CPD opportunities.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Free on-site parking.
• Monday–Friday working pattern.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Mental health and wellbeing support.
• Most importantly, the opportunity to make a real difference to children and their families.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the responsibilities, knowledge and experience required.

Working pattern

30 hours per week, term time only

• Monday and Friday: 08:45am–1:25pm
• Tuesday–Thursday: 08:55am–3:15pm

How to apply

Please complete the application form available on www.springwellschool.net and return it to Rachel Ambrey, HR Lead, at recruitment@springwellschool.net.

Alternatively, completed applications can be posted to:

HR
Springwell School
Hinkler Road
Thornhill
Southampton
SO19 6DH

Please note that CVs are not accepted.

Interview process

Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will complete a classroom observation before attending a face-to-face panel interview.

Safeguarding

Springwell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Any offer of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and the relevant pre-employment checks.

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to interview, appoint and close the vacancy early if suitable candidates are identified, so early applications are encouraged.