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- Tasks: Engage and support pupils during playtimes, fostering their wellbeing and social skills.
- Company: Join a warm and supportive special school community dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with continuous professional growth and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a community that celebrates diversity and supports your career journey.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in pupils' lives while having fun and building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and adaptability are essential; experience in care or education is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
We are seeking enthusiastic, caring and adaptable Play & Engagement Support Assistants to join our warm and supportive special school community. This role focuses primarily on active play and engagement during lunchtimes and breaktimes, with a small element of classroom support as needed. The role supports pupils' wellbeing, social development and independence across the school day.
Key Responsibilities
- Actively engage pupils during playtimes and lunchtimes.
- Create safe, inclusive and enjoyable play and social experiences.
- Provide occasional classroom support for short periods, as directed by teaching staff.
- Encourage positive interaction, communication and independence.
- Support pupils with personal care in line with individual care plans.
- Help pupils regulate emotions and manage transitions.
- Work as part of a collaborative, caring school team.
About Our Pupils
Our pupils have a broad range of strengths and needs, including autism, ADHD, Down's Syndrome, communication and interaction needs, social, emotional and mental health needs, and medical and personal care requirements.
Who We're Looking For
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with experience in education, care, early years, youth work, or those exploring a meaningful career change. Empathy, patience, adaptability and a willingness to learn are essential.
Why Join Hazel Oak?
- A Truly Supportive Environment – We are a school where staff are respected, supported, and celebrated. From peer mentoring and team collaboration to well-being initiatives and coaching, we invest in you. Staff have access to a wider range of health and wellbeing support both in and beyond school.
- Continuous Professional Growth – With regular CPD, coaching, supervision and career development pathways, we develop talent for future leadership and help you broaden your expertise.
- A Family Feel – Hazel Oak is more than a workplace – it's a community. All staff help to shape school life and improvement planning as part of a collaborative team. We pride ourselves on our sense of belonging and celebrate difference as a strength.
- Innovative Curriculum – Our curriculum emphasises life skills, communication, well-being and functional learning. You'll bring learning to life through play, real-world experiences and meaningful relationships through a new inclusive curriculum approach.
Our Vision
Belonging, having fun, discovering our place in the world, building relationships, and overcoming challenges. Learning about life beyond the classroom to shape a successful future. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage those with diverse experience and perspectives. We happily make reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure equity for all. This is your chance to be a part of something special.
Play & Engagement Support Assistants employer: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play & Engagement Support Assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out their website and social media. Understanding their values and community vibe will help you connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your engagement skills! Think of fun ways to interact with kids and be ready to share examples of how you've done this in the past. Show them you can create a safe and enjoyable environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! The school is looking for genuine, caring individuals. Share your personal experiences and why you want to make a difference in the lives of these pupils. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity to join their supportive community.
We think you need these skills to ace Play & Engagement Support Assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for working with children shine through in your application. We want to see how excited you are about creating fun and engaging play experiences for our pupils!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, especially in education or care. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the needs of our pupils.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through! We’re looking for caring and adaptable individuals, so share your unique qualities and experiences that make you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Play & Engagement Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how to actively engage pupils during playtimes and lunchtimes, and think about how you can create safe and enjoyable experiences for them.
✨Show Your Empathy and Adaptability
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and adaptability in previous roles. This is crucial for supporting pupils with diverse needs, so highlight any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to connect with and support children.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage transitions or emotional regulation among pupils. Think of specific situations where you successfully handled similar challenges and be prepared to discuss your approach.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since this role involves working as part of a caring school team, be sure to express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams before, and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment at Hazel Oak.