At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs in a special school setting.
- Company: Join Five Education, known for its excellent support and training in the southwest.
- Benefits: Enjoy free specialised training, a DBS refund, and a friend referral bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with special educational needs and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Term-time role starting September 2025; informal chats available to learn more.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for a patient, enthusiastic, and dedicated Educational Support Worker to join a welcoming and well-resourced special school in Plymouth, supporting pupils across primary and secondary age groups. Our students have a range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities. You will play a vital role in tailoring their educational experiences and supporting their emotional, social, and physical wellbeing throughout the school day. The role is term-time only and will commence in September 2025.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide individualised and small group support tailored to each pupil's needs and learning plan.
- Work closely with teaching staff and therapists to implement EHCP targets and adapted curriculum strategies.
- Support pupils' communication, emotional regulation, and behaviour using positive, consistent approaches.
- Assist with personal care and mobility where required, maintaining dignity and promoting independence.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, helping them to feel safe, valued, and confident.
- Supervise and engage students during learning activities, break times, and transitions throughout the day.
- Contribute to assessment and progress monitoring by observing and recording student engagement and achievements.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience working with children or young people with special educational needs in a school, care, or community setting.
- A nurturing, calm, and flexible approach to support.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
- A passion for inclusion and helping young people thrive.
If you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.
What can Five Education offer you?
- Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more.
- Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days).
- Recommending a friend bonus scheme.
- Specialist support/mentoring while you are working.
If you think this could be a job for you, please get in touch to find out more from Brett. We are always available for an informal chat if you want to find out more about whether this role is suited to you.
Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.
Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.
We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.
Locations
Educational Support Worker employer: Five Education
Contact Detail:
Five Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Educational Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the students you'll be supporting. Research Autism, ADHD, and other relevant conditions to understand how best to engage with pupils and tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Educational Support Workers. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share their experiences, which can help you prepare for interviews and understand what the school values in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your passion for inclusion and support during any informal chats or interviews. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping young people thrive, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss how you would implement EHCP targets and adapt curriculum strategies. Think about specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully supported students with additional needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Educational Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Educational Support Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these aspects.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children or young people with special educational needs. Provide specific examples of how you've supported their learning and emotional wellbeing.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your teamwork, communication skills, and nurturing approach in your application. Mention any training or qualifications related to special educational needs, such as Team Teach or Autism Awareness, to strengthen your candidacy.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter addressing why you are passionate about supporting students with additional needs. Mention your understanding of the importance of building trusting relationships and how you plan to contribute positively to the school environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Education
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children who have special educational needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for inclusion and helping young people thrive.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with teaching staff and therapists, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and how you adapt to different team dynamics.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle specific situations, such as supporting a pupil with emotional regulation or managing challenging behaviour. Think of relevant examples from your past experience that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would tailor support for individual pupils and contribute to their emotional, social, and physical wellbeing throughout the school day.