Special Support Assistant

Fordwatersch; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A special educational institution in the United Kingdom seeks Special Support Assistants to support children with special educational needs. Candidates should be caring, well-organized, and have experience working with children with SEN. This role offers a vibrant work environment and excellent development opportunities, aiming for a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Training and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted membership at local fitness centres

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with special educational needs.
• Ability to support children in a dynamic school environment.
• Commitment to professional development and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support children with a range of special educational needs.
• Work with a team to create a positive learning environment.
• Contribute to the children's overall welfare and development.

Skills

Caring and understanding of children’s needs

High expectations of children’s behaviour

Well organised and efficient

Ability to work as part of a team

Experience working with children with SEN

Job description

Hours: 30.5 per week, 5 days a week 8.45am to 3.15pm, term time only

Contract Type: Permanent, Part time, Term time only

Job Specification

Fordwater is a special school for children age 2-19 years with a range of special educational and complex learning needs including PMLD, SLD, and ASC.

Responsibilities

• are caring and understanding of children’s needs
• have high expectations of children’s behaviour and attainment
• are very well organised & efficient
• are able to work as part of a team
• has experience of directly working with children with SEN

What we offer

• a happy, positive, vibrant working environment
• an inclusive school with a wide and diverse community
• talented, enthusiastic and supportive colleagues who are committed to continuous improvement
• A highly specialist teaching and learning environment
• Excellent opportunities for CPD
• A warm positive working environment where everyone is valued

As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

As a member of staff, you will have access to a range of benefits including:

• generous holiday entitlement of between 25 and 31 days, depending on job title and length of service
• maternity, paternity, dependency and adoption leave
• training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring
• a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform (see our Staff discounts page if you are a business looking to offer a discount)
• discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• a range of commuting and business travel discount and initiatives
• health and wellbeing benefits including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and Voluntary Health Cash Plans
• salary finance schemes
• working for a veteran-friendly employer.

Fordwater is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will require a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and two references, including one from their most recent employer.

Job Description, Person Specification and Application Forms are available at the bottom of this web page.

Closing date: Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at noon

To apply, please complete the application form and Shortlisted Candidate Information Form below and email this to:

Unfortunately we are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants individually. We would therefore like to thank you for your application and interest in Fordwater School.

Fordwater School is committed to safe recruiting, all posts are subject to a D.B.S. check.