At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and help children thrive in a caring environment.
- Company: Merryfields School, a nurturing special school for children aged 4-11.
- Benefits: Training opportunities, free parking, health support, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with potential for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children; experience preferred but not required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Merryfields School is a 113 place Generic Special School for children aged 4-11 years in Wolstanton, Newcastle-under-Lyme; we are part of Manor Hall Academy Trust. We provide a safe, stimulating and caring environment in which we give children the best possible start to their education. Staff work hard to maintain a friendly, inclusive and professional atmosphere where nurturing our children’s love of learning is at the heart of everything that we do.
The role:
We are seeking to appoint 5 Ancillary Assistants to join us from September 2026. The role is term time only for a fixed term period, due to pupil funding, ending in July 2027, with potential for the role to become permanent. You will work 32.5hrs per week, 08:30-15:45 Monday & Tuesday, 08:45-16:30 on Wednesday and 08:45-15:45 Thursday and Friday. The annual salary is paid over 12 months.
As an Ancillary Assistant you will support the Class Teacher in preparing the classroom for lessons, prepare, and maintain general equipment and resources. You will support our children in matters of personal needs and their general health along with supporting children with their learning and individual needs. The role will be directed by the class teacher.
You will be a caring team player who will have enthusiasm, drive and a commitment to our children. You will also have excellent communication skills and the ability to relate well to both children and adults. Experience of working with children in a school, nursery, or care setting is preferred, but not required as full training will be provided. We are passionate about helping our team grow, offering ongoing CPD through training, coaching and development opportunities to build skills and confidence. Those staff who are employed on a permanent basis have an opportunity for career progression both within the school and the wider Trust.
Potential candidates are welcome and encouraged to visit us for an informal discussion and tour of the school. Please contact the school via email to book an appointment: hr@merryfields.manorhall.academy
Benefits of working for us include:
- A supportive school community
- Training and development opportunities
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee making facilities
- Cycle to work and Tech schemes
- Generous local government pension scheme
- Health and wellbeing support
- Retail discounts including supermarkets, high street shops and restaurants and days out
How to apply:
Please submit your application via My New Term. In line with safer recruitment practices, we are unable to accept CVs. Further information about the school can be found on our website www.merryfields.manorhall.academy. If you have any questions about this process or would like to arrange a visit to the school, please contact the school office at hr@merryfields.manorhall.academy.
The closing date for applications is 09:00 on Monday 15th June 2026. Interviews will take place on Friday 19th June 2026.
Merryfields school is a multi-cultural and diverse school and actively encourages applications from all candidates. Merryfields School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of the Safeguarding Policy is available on the school website. This position is subject to Safer Recruitment checks including an Enhanced DBS check, which will require you to disclose details of all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in your application form. By engaging in this recruitment process, shortlisted candidates consent to an online search in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance 2025. In addition, references for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to interview.
Ancillary Assistant employer: Merryfields School
Merryfields School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a supportive community that values teamwork and personal growth. Located in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme, the school provides generous benefits such as free on-site parking, health and wellbeing support, and a local government pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and child development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ancillary Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Merryfields School! Before your interview, take a virtual tour of our website and learn about our values and the environment we create for our children. This will help you connect with us during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about how your past experiences, even if not directly related, can showcase your skills in communication and teamwork. Prepare some examples to share during your chat with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! We want to see your personality shine through. Show us your enthusiasm for working with children and how you can contribute to our friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through My New Term! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us. Plus, if you have any questions or want to visit, just drop us an email at hr@merryfields.manorhall.academy. We’re here to help!
We think you need these skills to ace Ancillary Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives and are excited about the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Ancillary Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with what we’re looking for, even if it’s from a different setting.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via My New Term as specified. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merryfields School
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Merryfields School's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
As an Ancillary Assistant, your enthusiasm for working with children is crucial. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in previous roles or experiences, even if they were informal. This will demonstrate your passion and commitment to supporting their learning.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the classroom, such as helping a child with personal needs or supporting them during lessons. Practising how you would handle these situations can give you confidence and show the interviewers that you're ready for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the school supports its staff in their professional development. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also in growing within the school community.
