At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a caring and inclusive environment.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a dynamic family of schools dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team that empowers students to thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children and teamwork skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 11502 - 11682 € per year.
We are seeking a caring, reliable and enthusiastic Ancillary Assistant to join our dedicated team at a specialist school supporting children and young people with a range of additional needs, including learning disabilities, autism, and complex communication needs. This is a rewarding role where you will play a vital part in helping create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting pupils during classroom activities, breaks, and transitions
- Assisting with personal care needs, where required, in a respectful and dignified manner
- Helping to prepare and set up learning materials and classroom resources
- Supporting staff in maintaining a safe, clean and organised learning environment
- Supervising pupils during lunch, playtime, and off-site activities
- Encouraging positive behaviour and social interaction
- Working closely with teachers, therapists, and other support staff
St Andrew’s is a special school for pupils with severe learning difficulties and ASD aged 11 -19 years. Our Special settings cater for children and young people with a wide range of Special Educational Needs from children with profound medical needs and life limiting conditions, those with severe, moderate and sensory needs through to young people with social emotional and mental health needs that require support and understanding to help them to navigate their world.
Please note, St Andrew’s Academy is a school that is based over two sites. During your employment at our school, you may be asked to work at either site, but any moves would be discussed with yourself prior. Our main site is based at St Andrew’s View, Breadsall Hilltop, Derby, DE21 4EW and most students on site are in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 with a small number of students who are aged 16-19. Our FE (Further Education) Campus is based at 66 Whitaker Road, Derby, DE23 6AR. All students here are aged 16-19 and this site is based close to the city centre.
All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position. At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful. Our values — opportunity, integrity, community, and equity — guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures. If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.
We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary. Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued. At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first. Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.
Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future. The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff)/Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one. Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:
- Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Career Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Actual Salary: £11,502 - £11,682
Working Hours: 20 hours per week – Term Time only 38 weeks plus 5 Inset days (39 weeks)
Ancillary Assistant in Derby employer: St Andrew's Academy
At Shaw Education Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through high-quality training, generous holiday entitlements, and a strong focus on wellbeing, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students. Join us in a collaborative network where your contributions truly matter, and together, we can transform futures for children and young people with special educational needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ancillary Assistant in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with children and young people with additional needs. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching St Andrew’s Academy and understanding their values. Think about how your experiences align with their mission of creating a supportive environment for pupils. Show them you’re genuinely passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to supporting children with special educational needs. Use real-life examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Shaw Education Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Ancillary Assistant in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Genuine:When writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure your supporting statement is tailored specifically to the Ancillary Assistant position. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since we value collaboration, mention any previous experiences where you worked as part of a team. Whether it’s in a school setting or another environment, demonstrating your ability to work well with others will make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew's Academy
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Ancillary Assistant and the specific needs of the pupils you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with the school's values and mission, as this will show your genuine interest in their work.
✨Show Your Caring Side
During the interview, highlight your experience working with children or young people, especially those with additional needs. Share specific examples that demonstrate your empathy, patience, and ability to create a supportive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers about the school’s approach to inclusivity and support for staff. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with pupils. Think about past experiences and how you can apply those skills to the role, focusing on maintaining a safe and positive environment.
