At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with complex needs in their learning and personal development.
- Company: Join a warm, welcoming school with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Professional development, flexible working, free parking, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dedicated team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience with children is a plus, but full training is provided.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
About This Role
Do you have the aspiration and desire to make a difference? Can you provide exceptional care, guidance and support, so that pupils thrive and make excellent progress in their personal development? We are offering the opportunity to join our friendly and dedicated team in our warm and welcoming school. You will be working with a supportive and experienced team who work collaboratively with professionals from a wide range of backgrounds to meet the physical, medical, sensory and emotional needs of our children.
The role is offered based on 32.5 hours per week for 39 working weeks (term time plus 5 development days). Our school caters for children from 3 to 16 with complex physical, medical and sensory needs. We have an evolving school population of 100+ pupils with ever more complex needs. Our special school is in purpose built accommodation, has an outstanding reputation for the personal development of our pupils and holds inclusion at its heart. We were rated Good (Ofsted November 2021).
Why work for Ormiston Academies Trust
- Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background.
- Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.
- We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child.
- The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive.
- Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve.
- Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well‑resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities.
- A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits.
About The Role
As our Special Support Assistant, you would assist students who need additional support, either individually or in small groups, with learning, physical, medical and personal care. You will provide exceptional care, guidance and support, so that our pupils thrive and make excellent progress in their personal development. Experience of working with children of a similar need is always preferable, but not essential. Full training will always be given. We offer excellent support to our staff, ensuring that all get the additional support and training they need and opportunities to build upon their experience.
In Return We Offer You
- The chance to make a real difference to the lives of children with complex needs and their families.
- A warm and personable working environment, the size of which supports close working relationships with our wider school community.
- Access to a wide range of professional development opportunities, including high quality CPD on the latest thinking around teaching and learning delivered by award‑winning experts in this field.
- Access to the Trust‑wide employee benefit scheme.
- Free onsite parking.
- Supportive working environment within an academy focused on the wellbeing of staff.
- Membership of the excellent Local Government Pension scheme.
Legal Compliance
Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered. All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Special Support AssistantEDV/2026/TWOA/05343 in Ipswich employer: Ormiston Academies Trust
Ormiston Academies Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, staff are supported through extensive training and a collaborative culture that values each individual's contribution. Located in a purpose-built facility, our school offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with complex needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Support AssistantEDV/2026/TWOA/05343 in Ipswich
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Ormiston Academies Trust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Ormiston Academies Trust!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Ormiston Academies Trust or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Support AssistantEDV/2026/TWOA/05343 in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Ormiston Academies Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ormiston Academies Trust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Academies Trust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
