Education Support Worker

Exceptional People Deserve Exceptional Staff

About Shaftesbury Statement

Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational and rehab services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing and supported living.

Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has one school, Shaftesbury Victoria School, and 2 further education colleges, Shaftesbury Millie College and Shaftesbury Nash College. The school is for students aged 3-19, and the colleges are for students aged 16-25. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some have profound and complex learning needs.

About the Role

We are looking for caring, enthusiastic and reliable individuals who are passionate about helping children and young people reach their full potential. You will have a positive attitude, a strong sense of teamwork, and the ability to build trusting and supportive relationships with students.

You will be responsible for supporting students with disabilities and additional needs throughout the school day. This involves helping them to access learning, develop new skills, and enjoy every aspect of school life. Working alongside teachers, therapists and other support staff, you will help create a nurturing, inclusive and safe environment where every student can thrive.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a warm, committed team that values creativity, compassion and collaboration. Whether you’re new to education or looking to develop your existing experience, we’ll provide a comprehensive induction, specialist training, and opportunities for career development to help you succeed.

The successful candidate will be someone who is patient, proactive and committed to supporting children and young people to learn, grow and become more independent, while contributing to the positive, caring culture of Shaftesbury Victoria School.

Key Responsibilities

As an Education Support Worker, you will inspire and support students in their learning and daily activities, helping them enjoy school, build confidence and stay safe. Working closely with teachers and therapists, you will promote wellbeing, independence and inclusion while maintaining high standards of care, communication and teamwork every day.

Bring your interests, enthusiasm and creativity whether it’s art, music, sport, reading, computers, cooking or community involvement, and use them to make learning engaging and meaningful for our students.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• The ability to work as part of a team, while using initiative and showing enthusiasm.
• Excellent communication skills and a caring, patient approach.
• Strong basic levels of literacy and numeracy are important for this role. NB If you do not hold formal qualifications, these skills may be assessed as part of the selection process.
• A positive attitude towards training, learning and continuous personal development.
• A commitment to promoting inclusion, wellbeing and respect for all.

Why Join Us?

At Shaftesbury Victoria School, you will join a warm, supportive community that values teamwork, compassion and creativity. From your first day, you will receive a full induction, specialist training and ongoing opportunities to grow. Every day brings the reward of helping young people learn, achieve and flourish. Your ideas, interests and talents will be celebrated as part of our collaborative approach to learning. Here, your work truly makes a difference, not just today, but for every child’s future.

Safeguarding

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.

Equality and Diversity

Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.

Application Process

To request a job description and application form please contact VECHR@victoria.poole.sch.uk

Closing date: 28th February 2026

Interview Dates: various

Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates.

Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.