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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young adults with special needs during lunchtime, promoting independence and leisure activities.
- Company: Great Oaks College, a specialist independent college dedicated to empowering students.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young adults while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting individuals with special educational needs and a commitment to their development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 5455 - 5532 £ per year.
Overview
Specialist College Lunchtime Assistant. Great Oaks College is a specialist independent college which is currently open to students across three sites. The college provides further educational opportunities to students aged 19-25 with moderate, severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties, many of whom also have other needs such as physical disabilities, sensory impairments and autism. We run three Pathways: Vocational, Life and Living and Engagement for Life. In January 2025 we are relocating 2 sites to our new main college building in Sunbury-on-Thames (Surrey). The Life and Living Pathway is located at the Triangle in Hounslow, Engagement for Life is located in the Oaklands school (until December 2025) and Vocational Department is located at the Staines Rugby Club (until December 2025). We are looking for someone who shares our vision for developing independence for young adults with Special Educational Needs.
Responsibilities
- Be willing to support feeding and personal care for students.
- Assist and encourage students to find ways to enjoy their leisure time.
- Respect our students as young adults and support their development as they prepare for adulthood.
Requirements and Expectations
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people; share this commitment as part of applying to work at the College.
- Enhanced DBS check with adult barring, and satisfactory references.
- Completion of a twenty-six working week probation period.
- Attendance at a pre-employment induction.
- Contract options include permanent and part-time (8 hours per week), term time only (38 weeks per annum) or other arrangements as listed; salary details are provided below.
Salary and Benefits
- Scale: Inner London Pay Scale – Scale 2, Points 3-4. Full-time salary for this point is between £27,711 to £28,128 per year pro rata. Salary is calculated based on full-time equivalent and is at 0.18627 FTE. Actual Salary: £5,455 to £5,532 per year.
- Employee benefits: an employee assistance programme; access to private doctors and nurses 24/7 free of charge; eligibility for Blue Light Card; cycle to work scheme; free eye test for identified staff; employee referral reward; staff discounts; and other wellbeing benefits.
Application Process
- Visits to the college are encouraged. Please contact Iwona Kedziora, HR Officer for an appointment on 0203 962 9009.
- To apply, please complete and email the application form to hr@greatoakscollege.com. Please include a letter of application outlining how you meet the specification for this role and what you will bring to the team for the benefit of our students.
- Closing Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025 at 9am
- Interview Date: Friday, 17 October 2025 at 9am; Shortlisting Date: Monday, 20 October 2025; Interview Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
- Start Date: November/December 2025 (depending on the compliance checks).
- Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only. Working hours: Monday 11.30 am to 1.30 pm, Tuesday to Friday 12 noon to 1.30 pm.
Location and Notes
The campus information and relocation details are as described above and are subject to change as noted in the job description.
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Specialist College Lunchtime Assistant employer: Great Oaks College
Contact Detail:
Great Oaks College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist College Lunchtime Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college! Before your interview, take a tour of Great Oaks College if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and understanding the students' needs will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you're in the interview, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting young adults with special educational needs. We want to see your enthusiasm for helping them thrive!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for practical scenarios! Since this role involves personal care and leisure activities, think about how you would approach these situations. We love candidates who can demonstrate their problem-solving skills on the spot.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Great Oaks College. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist College Lunchtime Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young adults with special educational needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Letter: Make sure to customise your letter of application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to fostering independence in our students.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Great Oaks College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Oaks College
✨Know the College's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to understand Great Oaks College's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting young adults with special educational needs. This will help you align your answers with their vision and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Since the role involves supporting students with personal care and leisure activities, think about how you would handle various scenarios. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you would encourage independence and respect the dignity of the students. This practical insight can really set you apart.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Great Oaks College places a strong emphasis on safeguarding. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of safeguarding principles and how you would implement them in your role. Sharing any relevant experience or training will demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of the students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of your interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the college's plans for the new building or how they support staff development. This shows that you’re engaged and thinking about how you can contribute to the team and the students' success.
