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- Tasks: Support children with special needs during lunchtime and play activities.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Bedelsford Chaucer Centre, part of Orchard Hill College Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like a cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership, and comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children and a caring, positive attitude required.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities across multiple education centres.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
Overview
The Department for Education (DfE) granted permission for Bedelsford School to open a temporary satellite site for children with special education needs in the London Borough of Merton in September 2025. Bedelsford Chaucer Centre will have capacity for 40 places and will have the potential to increase up to 80 children over a three-year period. The provision will be for children who have a range of moderate to severe learning difficulties and complex needs. This is likely to include Speech Language and Communication Needs and may also include Autism Spectrum Conditions and other associated areas of need.
We are looking for enthusiastic Play Assistants with drive and creativity to join our dedicated and welcoming team to support the lunch time sessions for our pupils at our new satellite site. You will provide support for our pupils at lunchtime, both with eating and drinking, and joining in leisure activities. You will also be required to support their personal care.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare the dining hall, serve lunch, and assist with feeding
- Support pupils' movement and personal care needs as advised by therapists
- Encourage social interaction and communicate with non-verbal pupils (using Makaton)
- Supervise play activities and clear away after lunch
- Assist with medical needs and provide kitchen support when needed
- Proven successful experience of working or caring with children
- Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children
- Have a caring and positive nature
- Work in line with the school's behaviour policy
Benefits
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season ticket loans
- Employee referral scheme
- Membership to Discounts for Teachers
- Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness
- Comprehensive training and development
- Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured
- Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders
- Scope for career progression across eight college centres, 14 academy schools and shared services team
- Pension scheme - the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) both of which have life cover and financial protection for your family.
About Us
Our Trust The Bedelsford Chaucer Centre will be a satellite provision to Bedelsford School, which is part of Orchard Hill College Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.
Play Assistant, Bedelsford Chaucer Centre in City of London employer: Bedelsford School
Contact Detail:
Bedelsford School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistant, Bedelsford Chaucer Centre in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Bedelsford Chaucer Centre and understand their mission. This will help you connect with the team during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with children who may have speech and language needs, think about how you can effectively communicate and engage with them. Maybe even brush up on Makaton if you can!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! As a Play Assistant, you'll need to come up with fun activities for the kids. Prepare some ideas or examples of how you've engaged children in the past to share during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly through our platform. It’s the best way to ensure we get your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant, Bedelsford Chaucer Centre in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Share any relevant experiences or personal stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Play Assistant. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined, like supporting personal care and encouraging social interaction.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your sentences are easy to read. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedelsford School
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with moderate to severe learning difficulties and complex needs. Understand how Makaton can be used to communicate effectively with non-verbal pupils, as this will show your commitment to supporting their communication.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your caring nature and creativity in engaging with children, especially in a play setting.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations, such as assisting with personal care or encouraging social interaction during play. Think about examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to support children in these areas.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training and development opportunities available, or how the team collaborates to support the children's needs. This shows your interest in being part of their dedicated team.
