What skills and experience we're looking for
Sparken Hill Academy are seeking to appoint a 1:1 General Support Assistant to assist teaching staff in supporting the education and personal development of a child with unique educational, health, and physical needs. The General Support Assistant will provide focused, individualised support in line with the child’s individual provision map, ensuring the child-centred approach in every task to promote their learning, well-being, and independence. We are looking for someone who is able to;
Engage pupil in both group and individual learning activities that are tailored to their developmental level, encouraging progress in literacy, numeracy, and physical activities as outlined in the individual provision map.
Use visual aids and communication tools to assist the child’s understanding and expression, including daily use of pre-teaching vocabulary and structured post-tutoring sessions.
Provide assistance with mobility and offer physical support in both indoor and outdoor environments to encourage safe participation in activities.
Assist with intimate care tasks, including toileting and feeding support as per the child’s health care needs, while maintaining dignity and fostering independence where possible.
Facilitate interactions with peers in structured play activities to help develop social skills like turn-taking, communication, and peer engagement.
Offer reassurance and structured guidance to help the child feel safe and engaged, adapting activities to suit their energy levels and physical abilities.
What you will need to succeed
• Some knowledge of SEND / ASD / Communication and Language would be desirable. However, full training will be provided.
• Have experience of working with children within the younger age range
• Be adaptable, flexible and extremely patient/calm
• Share our passion for wanting the very best for our pupils and school
• Be committed to keeping our pupils safe
• Be emotionally intelligent with the ability to build strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• The passion and commitment to work in a fast paced, challenging yet always rewarding role
What the school offers its staff
• Wellbeing Support
• Professional Development
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous sickness benefits
Commitment to safeguarding
Any job offer at Sparken Hill Academy is contingent upon successful completion of all mandatory background checks to our full satisfaction, including: - An enhanced DBS criminal record check -- Satisfactory professional references, - Verification of qualifications, - A review of publicly available social media demonstrating conduct aligned with our codes & values. We reserve the right to withdraw an employment offer or terminate a position if background checks or social media screening raise concerns about suitability for working with children. Prospective staff must consent to these checks as a condition of consideration. Visits to the school are strongly encouraged.