Ancillary Assistant - Merryfields School

Ancillary Assistant

Merryfields School

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed Ancillary Assistant to join our diverse and welcoming school team in January 2027 on a maternity cover basis.

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 an Ancillary Assistants to join us in January 2026. The role is part-time, term time only on a temporary basis to cover maternity leaves. The anticipated duration is from January 2027 to January 2028, however, please note this may be subject to change depending on the post holders return.

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 a 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 developmentopportunities 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.

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

The closing date for applications 09:00 on Thursday 5th November 2026

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 11th November 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 2026. In addition, references for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to interview.

Further information about the school can be found on our website www.merryfields.manorhall.academy

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