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- Tasks: Support lunchtime sessions and assist with play activities for children with special educational needs.
- Company: Bedelsford School, a welcoming environment dedicated to supporting children with diverse needs.
- Benefits: Career progression, pension schemes, employee wellbeing support, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children and a caring, positive attitude required.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
The Department for Education (DfE) granted permission for Bedelsford School to open a temporary satellite site in Merton for children with special education needs in the London Borough of Merton in September 2025. The School is located in The Chaucer Centre, a former school building located in the St Helier neighbourhood. In the first year, the centre will provide 40 places and will have the potential to increase up to 80 children over a three-year period. Pupils and staff will transfer from the Chaucer Centre to a brand-new Free School which is scheduled to open in the borough in September 2028. Both the temporary provision and the new Free School will provide places for children who have a range of moderate to severe learning difficulties and complex needs, including Speech Language and Communication Needs, 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.
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
- Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Pension Scheme – you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Home Electronics Scheme and 'Employee Car Lease Scheme)
- Employee Wellbeing – We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme
- Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
- Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)
Your application will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.
Play Assistant in London employer: Bedelsford School
Contact Detail:
Bedelsford School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Bedelsford School and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios! Think about how you'd handle specific situations with children, especially those with special educational needs. Being ready to discuss these during your interview will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Show off your creativity! As a Play Assistant, you'll need to engage kids in fun activities. Bring some ideas to the table during your interview to demonstrate your enthusiasm and ability to connect with the pupils.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant in 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 that highlight your caring nature and creativity in supporting their development.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. We want to know how you can contribute to our team and support our pupils effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedelsford School
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Play Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with special educational needs and how you can support them during lunch and playtime.
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to promoting and safeguarding children's welfare, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle various situations that may arise in the role, such as assisting non-verbal pupils or managing lunchtime activities. Think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and creativity.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key, especially when interacting with children who have complex needs. Practice using clear language and consider how you might incorporate Makaton into your responses. This will show that you're not only aware of the communication methods but also willing to adapt your approach.