At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a caring and dynamic environment.
- Company: Outstanding special school in beautiful surroundings, dedicated to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £14 - £14.50 per hour, flexible shift patterns, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with complex care needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, manual handling certification, and a full driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14.5 £ per hour.
We are working with a large ‘Outstanding’ special school in Westerham TN16 postcode, who are looking to recruit experienced Student Support Assistants. The roles will be due to start in January 2026 and are long term positions. They will begin with a probationary period and if this is passed there are long term contracts available with weekly shift work.
The school caters for children and young people who have physical disabilities and complex care needs. The ideal person will need to be flexible as you will be working across the Primary and Secondary departments, and residential for outside school shift hours. Your working days will be Monday – Friday, and the hours will vary due to the work being shift work. You will be required to work a minimum of 28 hours a week, but overtime can be available if you want to work additional hours.
It is essential that you have previous experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs, are confident in delivering personal care and are certified in either ‘Manual Handling’ or ‘Moving and Handling’. Ongoing training will be provided at the school as well as refresher training throughout the year.
You will need the following:
- Full driving license (due to location). Nearest village is Oxted and reachable via bus from there.
- Manual handling training and in date certification. Must have moving and handling of people in residential care. Dated within 1 year or close to.
- DBS (Has to be run including children and adults checks. You will need both or be willing to pay £63.70 towards the running or a DBS that covers both children and adults (barred checks) if you do not already have one on the update service.
- Advantageous to be from a care background.
The school is set in beautiful surroundings with many outstanding facilities and they have an incredibly supportive structure throughout the school to support all pupils and staff. If you are interested in these positions and have the above requirements, please send your CV ASAP to avoid missing out on these excellent opportunities. You will be rewarded with excellent competitive rates of pay in the region of £14 - £14.50 per hour and there are a range of shift patterns available including mornings and evening within residential at the school.
Additional Information: A sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection is essential for this role. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including references and an Enhanced DBS check in line with DfE guidelines.
Why Join us? As an ethical, inclusive, and independent education recruitment agency, we are committed to placing high-quality professionals into meaningful roles across UK schools. We value building long-term relationships and supporting your career every step of the way.
Interested in applying? Click 'Apply Now' to submit your full and up-to-date CV. One of our dedicated consultants will be in touch to discuss your experience and next steps. Let's work together to help you make a lasting impact in SEN education.
Student Support Assistant in Kent employer: ClassRoom Support
Join our large 'Outstanding' special school in Westerham, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our Student Support Assistants to thrive. With ongoing training opportunities, competitive pay rates, and a commitment to personal and professional growth, you will be part of a dedicated team making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex care needs. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities while working flexible shifts that fit your lifestyle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Assistant in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who have experience with special educational needs. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on schools looking for support assistants.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding and child protection. Schools want to see that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely care about the well-being of their students.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your flexibility! Since the role involves working across different departments and shift patterns, be ready to discuss how you can adapt to various situations and needs during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Student Support Assistant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Assistant in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with children who have Special Educational Needs. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant training and certifications!
Show Your Flexibility:Since the role involves working across different departments and shift patterns, let us know how adaptable you are. Mention any previous experiences where you had to adjust your schedule or work environment.
Highlight Your Training:If you’ve got certifications in Manual Handling or Moving and Handling, make them stand out! We’re looking for candidates who are up-to-date with their training, so include those details clearly in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and get you started on this exciting journey in SEN education.
How to prepare for a job interview at ClassRoom Support
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about Special Educational Needs and the specific challenges faced by children with physical disabilities. Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values, as well as any recent initiatives they’ve implemented.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since the role requires working across different departments and shift patterns, be ready to discuss your adaptability. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or took on varied responsibilities.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous roles, especially those involving personal care and support for children with special needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in manual handling and how you've positively impacted students' lives.
✨Understand Safeguarding
Be prepared to discuss safeguarding and child protection policies. Show that you understand their importance and can articulate how you would ensure a safe environment for the children you’ll be supporting.
