At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with complex disabilities and help them thrive in a joyful environment.
- Company: St Ann's School, an outstanding secondary special school in Ealing.
- Benefits: 25 hours paid per week, term time only, with a positive impact on students' lives.
- Other info: Join a vibrant, inclusive team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children facing significant challenges.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, creativity, and dedication to supporting students with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 32243 - 39408 £ per year.
25 hours per week (10.00am-3.00pm, 5 hours per day, with no lunchbreak - all 25 hours will be paid), term time only.
Would you like to make a positive impact on the development and on the lives of children who face the greatest challenges? If yes, then we want to hear from you!
About The School:
St Ann's School is an outstanding secondary special school in Ealing with students with the most complex disabilities including profound and multiple learning and physical disabilities, severe learning difficulties and complex autism. The school works with a wide variety of young people. One of the cohorts are students with behaviours that challenge, working to develop their regulation skills to be able to participate in their communities. Another cohort are students with complex physical and learning disabilities and our focus is to enable them to be as independent as possible. Our school is a forward-thinking, vibrant, caring, inclusive and diverse school. Our aim is to provide our students with a happy, joyful, creative environment where they can thrive and achieve their full potential.
About You:
We are looking for committed people who bring their own brand of positive energy, enthusiasm and kindness and are dedicated to contributing to an outstanding learning experience for our amazing students. The successful candidate will have a keen sense of responsibility, creativity of thought, a happy, gentle and a positive 'can do' approach to addressing everyday challenges. Experience of working with young people with the most complex disabilities is welcome but what is most important is the attitude and determination to provide the absolute very best for all our students. It is a role where you can make a significant difference in our students' lives.
We look forward to finding out more about you and how you can contribute to our team.
The school is committed to safer recruitment, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 9th September 2026, 12pm
Shortlisting date: Friday 11th September 2026
Interview date: Thursday 17th September 2026
Start Date: October 2026
Special School Support Assistants (SSSA) employer: Ealing Council
Ealing Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment at the Ealing Education Centre in Greenford. As a Reception/Business Support Officer, you will enjoy a great work-life balance with part-time hours, while being part of a dedicated team that values customer service and collaboration. The role provides opportunities for personal growth and development within a thriving educational setting, making it a meaningful place to contribute to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special School Support Assistants (SSSA)
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Ealing Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Ealing Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Ealing Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Special School Support Assistants (SSSA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Ealing Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Ealing Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ealing Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Ealing Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Special School Support Assistants (SSSA) at Ealing Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Ealing Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Special School Support Assistants (SSSA) role.
