Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise pupils during lunchtime and play sessions.
- Company: Dysart School, an Outstanding special school in Surbiton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, employee discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Good numeracy and literacy skills, experience with children, and teamwork ability.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
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)
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 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.
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.
Closing Date: Sunday 8th March 2026
Interviews will take place on: week commencing 16th March 2026
Play Assistants in London employer: eTeach UK Limited
Contact Detail:
eTeach UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistants in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Dysart School and its values. Understanding their mission and what they stand for will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about common interview questions related to working with children, especially those with special educational needs. We can help you prepare by providing tips on how to articulate your experiences and skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you’re in the interview, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistants in London
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.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in your application. Whether it's working with children or in a caring role, we want to know how your background aligns with what we're looking for at Dysart School.
Follow the Guidelines: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Remember, we can't consider CV applications, so make sure you fill out the application form on our website. Stick to the requirements laid out in the job description to score points!
Be Yourself: Don't be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for team players who can connect with our pupils, so being authentic will help us see if you’re a good fit for our school culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at eTeach UK Limited
✨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 of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported or cared for children, especially those with special educational needs. This will demonstrate your practical skills and empathy.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Play Assistant, teamwork is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you work collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team in previous roles, highlighting your ability to follow instructions and support teaching staff effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the school supports its staff in their professional development. This shows your eagerness to grow within the role and your commitment to providing the best care for the pupils.
