At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with severe learning difficulties during lunchtime and play activities.
- Company: Watling View School, a supportive community focused on positive learning.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, healthcare package, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Part-time role with potential for extra hours and a friendly school environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with special needs is a plus, but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.85 - 12.85 £ per hour.
We require energetic and enthusiastic Midday Supervisory Assistants to work with children who have severe learning difficulties. This role involves helping them with eating programmes, personal care routines and supervising lunchtime play activities during lunch hour from 11.30am to 1.30pm, Monday to Friday term‑time only. Extra hours may be available through our bank staff.
Salaried from £12.85 per hour (pay rise pending). Previous experience with special needs children is an advantage but not essential.
We are proud of our:
- Extraordinary pupils
- Innovative, dedicated staff
- Excellent support and encouragement from Governors and the Senior Leadership Team
- Varied and superb quality professional development (CPD)
- School community that continually strives to improve
- Ethos of focusing on positive learning behaviour and high expectations for all pupils and staff
We will offer you:
- A new starter induction programme
- Membership to Herts Rewards, our employee benefits scheme including discounts and cashback for high street shops and online shopping
- Subscription to our comprehensive Healthcare and Wellbeing package
- A varied and ongoing professional development programme (CPD)
- Extensive sick pay from the 1st day of absence (after 6 months service)
- Generous pension provision
- Various staff social events during the academic year
- Optional Childcare Vouchers scheme
- Opportunity to earn overtime for working at our after school clubs
- Annual appraisal programme
- Annual Occasional Day
- Free on‑site car park
Watling View is a Good School (Ofsted, April 2025), catering for the needs of children and young people with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties (2 to 19 years in age). A significant number of our pupils have autism and one in five has Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties. We aim to develop and enhance the potential of our pupils through an ethos and philosophy which emphasises that we are all of equal value as members of an interdependent supportive community.
Appointment to this post is subject to satisfactory clearance of enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, including the barred list, as well as all other pre‑appointment checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025).
Midday Supervisory Assistant (MSA) - SEN employer: Watling View School
Watling View School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of both its students and staff. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to inclusivity, employees can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special needs. Located in a vibrant community, the school offers a rewarding environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Midday Supervisory Assistant (MSA) - SEN
✨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 Watling View School.
✨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 Watling View School!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Watling View School, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨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 Watling View School 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 Midday Supervisory Assistant (MSA) - SEN
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 Watling View School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Watling View School! 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 Watling View School
✨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.
