Join our dedicated team at Castle Wood, a vibrant special needs school supporting 168 pupils aged 3 to 11 with a range of needs, including PMLD, SLD, ASD, and complex behavioural challenges. We're passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.What We Offer:Friendly, enthusiastic, and well-behaved children who are a joy to work withA happy, welcoming school environment with a supportive teamPersonalised opportunities for continuing professional developmentA strong focus on staff wellbeing, including access to occupational health and counselling servicesStaff workwear providedComplimentary tea and coffeeFree on-site car parkingOur ValuesOur vision, "Together, children first," reflects our belief that everyone plays a vital role in helping our pupils reach their full potential.Our values drive everything we do at Castle Wood. The school values are honesty, integrity, trust, empathy, respect.What is the job role?Key responsibilities include:Supervising pupils and ensuring their safety during the midday break, including in the dining hall, playground, classrooms, and circulation areasAssisting with setting up and clearing away tables and chairs before and after lunchProviding support with personal care when requiredEnhancing pupils’ lunchtime experience by leading and organising play activities—this includes supervising games, encouraging the safe and appropriate use of equipment, and creating a positive atmosphere in both outdoor and indoor spaces, such as classrooms and courtyardsServing lunches to pupils while following appropriate food hygiene and handling proceduresSupporting pupils with feeding when necessary and helping to develop their eating skillsAssisting pupils in returning trays, cutlery, and disposing of waste foodPlease note that, due to the expected high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.Who are we looking for?The ideal candidate will:Genuinely enjoy working with childrenCommunicate and interact effectively with both staff and pupilsBe responsible, calm under pressure, and able to respond quickly and appropriately to any situation that may ariseIdeally, have experience working with children with special educational needs (SEN), although this is not essentialOur school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS.Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.
