At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Fordwater School, a caring and inclusive special school.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to continuous improvement and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN and a passion for helping children thrive.
The predicted salary is between 19993 - 19993 £ per year.
Hours: 30.5 per week, 5 days a week 8.45am to 3.15pm, term time only
Salary: WSCC Grade 6 £19,993.96
Contract Type: Permanent, Part time, Term time only
Fordwater is a special school for children age 2-19 years with a range of special educational and complex learning needs including PMLD, SLD, and ASC.
We are looking for Special Support Assistants who:
- are caring and understanding of children’s needs
- have high expectations of children’s behaviour and attainment
- are very well organised & efficient
- are able to work as part of a team
- have experience of directly working with children with SEN
We can offer you:
- a happy, positive, vibrant working environment
- an inclusive school with a wide and diverse community
- talented, enthusiastic and supportive colleagues who are committed to continuous improvement
- A highly specialist teaching and learning environment
- Excellent opportunities for CPD
- A warm positive working environment where everyone is valued
As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
As a member of staff, you will have access to a range of benefits including:
- a competitive salary
- an excellent local government pension scheme
- maternity, paternity, dependency and adoption leave
- training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring
- a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform
- discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
- a range of commuting and business travel discount and initiatives
- health and wellbeing benefits including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and Voluntary Health Cash Plans
- salary finance schemes
- working for a veteran-friendly employer.
Safeguarding Statement: Fordwater School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references. The successful applicant will require a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and two references, including one from their most recent employer.
Interviews: Tuesday 17th November 2026
Closing Date: Wednesday 11th November 2026 - 12 noon
Special Support Assistant in Chichester employer: West Sussex County Council
West Sussex County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises community impact and employee wellbeing. With opportunities for professional development and a focus on strengths-based approaches, you will be empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in the beautiful surroundings of West Sussex.
Contact Details:
West Sussex County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Support Assistant in Chichester
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like West Sussex County Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at West Sussex County Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through West Sussex County Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Special Support Assistant in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at West Sussex County Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at West Sussex County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Sussex County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with West Sussex County Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Special Support Assistant at West Sussex County Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show West Sussex County Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Special Support Assistant role.
