Playtime Coordinator
The Hawthorns School, Chelmsford
Job Ref No. ECC7006-157 Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: LGPCD Scale 5 (Points 10-13)
Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 04/11/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: w/c 9th November 2026
Job Description
The Hawthorns School in Chelmsford is looking for a Playtime Coordinator to start in as soon as possible.
20 hours per week, term-time. Actual Salary: £13,257.21pa
- Amounts are subject to National Pay Award 1.4.25.
Thank you for your interest in this post. The Hawthorns School opened its doors in January 2023, for autistic children. As our pupil numbers continue to grow, we are expanding our therapeutic, dedicated, tight‑knit and supportive team who prioritise the needs of the pupils through an evolving curriculum with the development of social communication at its core.
We are currently recruiting for a Playtime Coordinator to join us!
This is a unique opportunity to join us in providing a holistic education and environment. No previous school experience is required although relevant experience is always helpful. This might be through other family members, associated professional experience or study. Or maybe you are just interested, need a fresh start and feel you have something to offer and you need someone to give you an opportunity?
We want our pupils to be the best they can be. Are you someone who can help us do that?
- Are you thoughtful, compassionate and reflective and a team player?
- Do you want to support pupils to engage, learn and achieve?
- Do you share our ethos of kindness, curiosity, integrity and participation?
- Do you have bags of energy and are you someone who thinks, watches and listens but also takes initiative?
- Do you have an interest in, or experience of, working or living with autistic young people?
If so, then you could be the resilient and collaborative person who needs to join our school community. We work hard, have a desire to learn, are adaptable and have a 'can do' attitude. If you are someone who embraces a challenge and has a sense of humour we would love to hear from you.
In return, we can offer you professional fulfilment and development, care and attention to wellbeing, a lot of fun and a brilliant and supportive team to work with.
The Hawthorns is one of a community of Special Schools, supported by the well‑established and highly regarded SEAX Trust. The Trust respects and trusts each school to evolve its unique identity, whilst providing layers of support and networking at all professional levels. Do consider joining us in achieving our goals. At least come and see us. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Information about the School
The Hawthorns School opened its doors in January 2023 for children with autism. We are now in our beautiful purpose‑built school in the heart of Chelmsford and are extending our provision for KS3 and KS4 pupils.
The provision at the school caters for pupils who have a diagnosis of autism and offers a full‑time education with a focus on social communication, emotional regulation and relationship‑building while, at the same time, offering a broad and balanced range of curriculum subjects, including literacy and numeracy.
Pupils will be aged 7-16 and will have an EHCP. There will be ten residential places available for pupils from Monday to Thursday each school week. These will be managed by the school and will enhance the day curriculum offer.
We have established a school which embodies the ethos, vision and values of the SEAX Trust and the other schools in the Trust (Thriftwood School & College, Langham Oaks School, Grove House School and Kingswode Hoe School).
The Hawthorns' mission:
Our mission is to provide a personalised and imaginative curriculum designed to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to build the basis for a purposeful and fulfilling adult life for young people with autism. Through outstanding teaching and secure relationships, pupils will gain the confidence to communicate effectively, acquire appropriate accreditation for next steps forward, learn core skills for life, develop healthy relationships, self‑advocate, contribute to their community and keep themselves safe.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Documents
- Advert & Headteacher's Letter
- Job Description and Person Specification
- Key Information Sheet
- Work for SEAX Trust
- Recruitment & Selection Policy Statement
- Privacy Notice
Contact Information
Laura Roberts
The Hawthorns School
Thornhurst Road, Chelmsford
Essex, CM1 2XT
Telephone: 01245 207607
Email: admin@thehawthornsschool.com
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Playtime Coordinator in Chelmsford employer: The Hawthorns School
Hawthorns School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment where no two days are the same. As part of the New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust, employees benefit from career development opportunities, a dedicated team passionate about supporting children with special educational needs, and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity. Located in Hattersley, Tameside, staff enjoy term-time hours, competitive pay, and additional benefits such as the Greater Manchester Pension Scheme and free parking.
