Support Assistant (2 posts)

Connected Local Government; Consett; On-site; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

An educational institution in Consett is looking for a part-time Support Assistant to join their team at a special school. The role includes assisting teachers, leading therapy sessions, and providing personal care to students with special needs. Ideal candidates will have experience in educational support and demonstrate strong communication skills. This fulfilling position offers a chance to make a significant impact in the lives of children, working within a supportive and caring environment.

Benefits

Term time only work

Caring and supportive work environment

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with special educational needs.
• Understanding of hygiene and personal care for pupils.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with learning in class.
• Leading small group sessions in various therapies.
• Maintaining hygiene and care for pupils.

Skills

Experience with special needs education

Ability to assist with hygiene and care

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

Relevant qualification in support work or education

Job description

Support Assistant

Grade 1 Point 3

£24,796 pro rata

Permanent, part time, term time only

32.5 hours, Mon – Fri, 9.00am - 4.00pm

Required to start as soon as possible

Villa Real School is an all age 2 to 19 years Special School with pupils with SLD, PMLD and Autism. The Governors are seeking to employ a dynamic and enthusiastic Support Assistant to enhance the care and support in our school, who has knowledge of students with a high level of need.

A rare opportunity has arisen within our fantastic special school. We are seeking an ambitious Support Assistant to complement our class teams.

Villa Real is a truly wonderful place to work. It is a special place to visit and provides the children and families it supports great opportunities. Our children are taught via a bespoke curriculum that meets their needs.

We offer a happy, caring and stimulating environment, where everybody is welcomed and respected. Our ethos and core values support this model and are lived out in the daily work of the school and within the community.

Our ambition, and yours, will be that Villa Real will continue to be a centre of excellence for promoting the latest inclusive practices within education; locally, regionally and nationally. Our pupils deserve an education that will change their lives and give them the opportunity to fulfil their full potential, and in turn the special candidate will enjoy a fulfilling career, releasing your potential and maximising your impact in a forward thinking and innovative ethos.

The role

1. Assisting with the learning in class as directed by a teacher
2. Leading 1:1 or small groups re: SALT, Physio and Occupational Therapy
3. Leading 1:1 or small groups in literacy and numeracy
4. Cleaning and changing of pupils and students who have poor or no bowel and/or bladder control
5. General hygiene and care of all pupils and students as necessary, assisting pupils with dressing/undressing, toileting, washing, showering, menstruation, nose wiping etc.
6. Hoisting and positioning of pupils/ students
7. 1:1 feeding or group eating and feeding as directed assisting with the development of skills associated with independence, appropriate social behaviour and good manners
8. Assist with yard duty
9. Daily laundry
10. Cleaning and hygiene of specialist seating and or spillages
11. Escorting pupils to and from home/school transport or outdoor activities or trips
12. Preparation of drinks and the hygiene and care of all specialist feeding/ drinking equipment in the classroom
13. Assisting with hydrotherapy, PE and other similar activities
14. Assisting as required by the Head Teacher in any way that is: consistent with the level and training of the job; for the benefit of the pupils and students and for the smooth running of the school.

Equal Opportunities

Durham County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce and we positively welcome applicants from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met.

Safeguarding and DBS

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

Closing & Interviews

Closing date: 14th January 2026 at 9am
Interview date: w/c 26th January 2026
Application forms should be returned to the school.

Pay and Leave

Standard term time only pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

1. Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service: 38 weeks (term time) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 45 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments
2. Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service: 38 weeks (term time) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 46 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments>

Contact

Villa Real School
Villa Real Road
Consett
Co. Durham
DH8 6BH

Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.villarealschool.co.uk