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- Tasks: Supervise and support pupils during lunchtime and play sessions.
- Company: Dysart School, a leading special education provider in Surbiton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension schemes, employee discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with learning disabilities.
- Qualifications: Good numeracy, literacy skills, and experience working with children.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 8508 - 8750 £ per year.
Salary: Grade C, Point 10-14, Actual Salary: £8,508.58 - £8,750.90 (FTE £28,617.00- £29,432.00) (Negotiated on appointment, depending on experience and qualifications)
Main location: Dysart School, 190 Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 6HL
Satellite sites: North Kingston - Latchmere Road, North Kingston KT2 5TU; Tolworth - School Lane, Surbiton, KT6 7QH
Working Pattern: 12.5 hours per week working 11.30am to 2pm, term time only.
Dysart School is an Outstanding special school in Surbiton, providing education for pupils aged 4 to 19 with a range of severe and complex learning difficulties. To help meet the growing demand for high-quality SEN provision in the borough, Dysart also operates three satellite sites located alongside local mainstream schools - creating inclusive opportunities and expanding access to specialist support.
Its main site, located in Surbiton, is bright and well equipped to support the development of its pupils, including Early Years classrooms with outdoor learning spaces, an onsite work-related learning kitchen, an accessible swimming pool, sensory room, soft play and adventure play areas, and clearly defined outside spaces that support pupils’ learning and self-regulation.
Dysart School is a progressive and innovative place to work and staff are offered opportunities through regular training and support to develop their own practice.
Are you interested in supporting young people with severe learning disabilities, with autistic spectrum conditions or with profound and multiple learning disabilities? At Dysart School we are looking to recruit Play Assistants to work alongside our pupils.
Key Responsibilities:
- To ensure supervision and care of all pupils at lunchtime.
- To supervise pupils during play/leisure sessions and whilst eating, follow school procedures, lunchtime routines and individual pupil support information.
- To work under and follow the general instruction and guidance of teaching or senior staff to support all teaching and learning activities over the lunchtime period.
- To provide support in personal hygiene and welfare routines.
Key Requirements:
- Good numeracy and literacy skills
- Proven successful experience of working or caring with children
- Basic ICT Skills
- Ability to work constructively as part of a team.
Rewards & Benefits:
- 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 and Home Electronics 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)
About the Employer:
Find out what makes OHCAT a truly rewarding place to work - visit our ‘Work for Us’ page to hear from our Chief Executive Officer, John Prior, and watch inspiring messages from students and parents about the difference our staff make every day.
Our Trust: Dysart School is part of Orchard Hill College and 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). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website.
We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners. Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.
As a large specialist education provider, we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.
It is an exciting time to be part of OHCAT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.
How to apply:
For an informal discussion about the role, candidates are invited to contact Penny Jelbert via email. Your application form 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.
To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in, please complete and submit the Application Form. Please note that CV applications cannot be considered. To ensure a fair opportunity for all applicants, candidates who have applied for this position in the past 6 months will not be considered.
Closing Date: Sunday 8th March 2026
Interviews will take place on: week commencing 16th March 2026
To help us manage applications effectively, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.
Safeguarding: Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.
Play Assistants employer: Dysart School
Contact Detail:
Dysart School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Dysart School and its values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand what makes our environment special and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of a Play Assistant. We want to hear specific examples of how you've supported children in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! We’re looking for genuine passion and enthusiasm for working with children with special educational needs. Let your personality shine through during the interview!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about supporting young people with learning difficulties and that you're excited about the role!
Match Your Skills: Take a good look at the job description and make sure to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. Use specific examples to show us how you've worked with children or in similar environments before.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate a well-structured application! Make sure your writing is clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and keep your sentences straightforward so we can easily see why you'd be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website using the 'Fast Apply' option! This helps us manage applications better and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it's super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dysart School
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Dysart School and its values. Understanding their commitment to supporting pupils with severe learning difficulties will help you align your answers with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with children. Think about your past experiences and be ready to share examples of how you've successfully supported children in similar roles. This will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of the responsibilities involved.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Play Assistant, teamwork is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you work collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team in the past, especially in educational or care settings, to highlight your ability to support both staff and pupils effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about training opportunities, the school's approach to inclusion, or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
