Health Care and Education Assistant

Permanent, term time only. Required to start from September or as soon as possible. Croft Community School is a generic special school for pupils who have moderate, severe, or profound and multiple learning difficulties or Autism Spectrum Conditions. Governors are wishing to appoint a Health Care and Education Assistant to join our dedicated SEN team from September 2026. This rewarding role involves supporting pupils with complex learning and physical needs, ensuring their care, wellbeing and access to learning throughout the school day.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils individually and in small groups within the classroom and across the school.
• Assisting with learning activities under the direction of teaching staff.
• Promoting pupils’ wellbeing, behaviour and pastoral care.
• Supporting during breaktimes, lunchtimes and school activities.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, support staff and external professionals.
• Following school policies on safeguarding, behaviour and moving & handling.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a caring, resilient and flexible individual who is passionate about supporting children with special educational needs and making a positive difference.

Safeguarding and checks

Durham County Council is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The post you are applying for is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. We will also carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online. As part of our due diligence and to comply with our obligations in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search of publicly available information will be undertaken for all shortlisted candidates. The successful applicant will be subject to provide an enhanced DBS disclosure. Croft Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks. In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

Additional information

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. Completed application forms should be returned to the school. Closing date: Friday 28th August 2026. Interview date: To be confirmed.

Standard term time only pay

Standard term time only pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks;
• Plus Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days);
• Plus Individual leave entitlement – 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days).

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave.

Calculation for employees:

• With less than 5 years’ service: 38 weeks (term time) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 45 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.
• With more than 5 years’ service: 38 weeks (term time) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 46 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.

Croft Community School Greencroft Road Ends Annfield Plain Stanley DH9 8PR Tel: 01207 234547 Email: E.peat@croft.school Website: www.croftcommunityschool.co.uk