At a Glance
- Tasks: Support after school care for children aged 3 to 11, ensuring a safe and fun environment.
- Company: Join Sutton High School, a vibrant community focused on kindness and high standards of care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, free lunches, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Part-time hours with excellent career growth opportunities in a leading independent school.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in childcare or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 28587 - 28587 £ per year.
Sutton High School is seeking an enthusiastic Care Assistant to support our exceptional after school care provision, Explorers, for Prep School pupils aged 3 to 11. Working in our brand-new Explorers building, you will help deliver our provision of high-quality care at the end of the school day. As part of a friendly and supportive team, you will contribute to a safe, welcoming environment by supervising children, preparing activities, and ensuring pupils are happy and well cared for at all times.
Hours for this role are 12.5 hours per week across five days, from 3.00pm to 5:30pm. This is a great opportunity to join a vibrant school community that values kindness, curiosity and high standards of care. We are looking for a well-qualified individual with an NVQ Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in childcare.
About Sutton High School
Sutton High School is an academically selective independent day school for 850 girls with an age range of 3 to 18 years. We are situated on a green and leafy site in central Sutton, close to excellent public transport links and major roads. Both Senior and Prep Schools are amongst the top schools in the country, with our A Level results placing us 69th in national rankings in 2024. Sutton High School is characterised by a warm, happy and inclusive community, where girls support each other to aspire and achieve, and individuality is celebrated.
The school is a member of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) and the Girls' Schools Association (GSA). Membership of the GDST, the largest group of independent girls' schools in the UK, gives us unrivalled opportunities for training and sharing of good practice in teaching and learning.
Employee benefits include:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Membership of the GDST flexible pension scheme (up to 18% employer contribution and flexibility to generate a pay top-up of up to 10% of pensionable salary in lieu of pension)
- 35 week school year (including INSET days) across 3 terms with a two-week break in the Autumn
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Free lunches for all staff during term time (equivalent to at least £740 per year)
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Good transport links
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
For further details and to apply, please click the apply button. Closing date: 3 July 2026. Interviews TBC. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should a suitable candidate be found, and we advise early application.
Sutton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.
After School Care Assistant in Sutton Coldfield employer: GDST
Sutton High School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a vibrant school community that prioritises kindness and high standards of care, this role as an After School Care Assistant provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young pupils. Located in central Sutton, the school boasts excellent transport links and a range of employee benefits, making it an attractive place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land After School Care Assistant in Sutton Coldfield
✨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 GDST, 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 GDST. 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 GDST's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace After School Care Assistant in Sutton Coldfield
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 GDST. 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 GDST.
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨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 GDST.
✨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 After School Care Assistant at GDST.
✨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 GDST that you're ready to hit the ground running in the After School Care Assistant role.
