At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special needs in their learning and personal care.
- Company: Kingsdown School, part of SEN Trust Southend, dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Term-time work, paid leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a happy team committed to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in special education and a minimum GCSE Grade C in English.
The predicted salary is between 19705 - 21008 £ per year.
Kingsdown is a special school and is part of a Multi Academy Trust known as SEN Trust Southend. It is for pupils aged 3-14 years who have severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties.
We are looking to appoint a Special Support Assistant to start on 1 September 2026. The position is for 31.05 hours per week [8.45am - 3.45pm], term time only (39 weeks per year plus 4.6 weeks annual paid leave plus 2 weeks statutory holidays). This post is fixed term for 1 year.
Salary: LG Level 5 Point 8-12 - £26,824 - £28,598 pa (Actual salary £19,705 - £21,008 pa)
We are looking for an enthusiastic, positive and resilient colleague to join our happy team who is committed to educating our children to reach their full potential. In addition, you must be willing to assist with all the pupils’ personal care needs.
The ideal candidate will have Special Education experience, a minimum GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in English and preferably a qualification in Child Care.
Kingsdown School is committed to safer recruitment in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of our pupils, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment checks which will include References, Health, Right to Work in UK and DBS check.
Closing date: Midday 24th June 2026. Interviews: 2nd July 2026.
Special Support Assistant employer: Kingsdown School
Kingsdown School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special educational needs. Located within the SEN Trust Southend, the school offers a collaborative culture where teamwork and compassion are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that every member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Kingsdown School and its values. Show us that you’re not just passionate about supporting children but also align with our mission to help them reach their full potential.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to personal care and special education. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Kingsdown.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children with special needs shine through. We want to see how committed you are to helping our pupils reach their full potential!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in special education or childcare. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges and joys of working with children who have severe learning difficulties.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, we’re busy too!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingsdown School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Special Support Assistant and the specific needs of the pupils at Kingsdown. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by children with severe learning difficulties and how you can support them effectively.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping students reach their full potential, especially those with special educational needs.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations that may arise in the classroom. Think about examples where you've successfully supported a child’s learning or personal care needs, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers about the school’s approach to special education and how they support their staff. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and want to be part of their team.
