Classroom Assistant - Gap Year

Employer
Freemantles School
Location
Woking, Surrey
Contract Type
Fixed term contract
Hours
Term Time
Salary
£17,442 p.a. ( FTE £24,330 )
Start Date
As Soon As Possible
Expires
13th May 2026 09:00 AM
Contract Type
Fixed term contract
Job ID
1547288
Suitable for
Other Graduates
Job Reference
Eteach/CAMayJune26-FIXED
Start Date
As Soon As Possible
  • Contract Type :Fixed term contract
  • Contract Length: 12 months
  • Suitable for: Other Graduates
  • Job ID: 1547288

Classroom Assistant – Fixed‑Term One‑Year Opportunities

Freemantles Specialist School – Mayford Green, Woking

Are you leaving college or university, or taking a gap year and exploring a future career in education, psychology, therapy or SEND?

Freemantles School is offering one‑year fixed‑term Classroom Assistant positions, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on, paid experience while making a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people.

About Freemantles School

Freemantles School is a specialist school based in Mayford Green, Woking, supporting autistic children and young people and those with complex social communication needs, aged 4–19.

Our Mayford site includes:

  • A Primary School
  • A Secondary & FE School

Classes are small, with around 9 pupils on average, allowing staff to build strong relationships and provide meaningful, individualised support.

About the role

As a Classroom Assistant, you will:

  • Support pupils with learning activities in the classroom and outdoors
  • Help children and young people develop communication, independence and social skills
  • Support emotional regulation and wellbeing throughout the school day
  • Work closely with teachers and other staff as part of a class team
  • Take part in weekly community outings, supporting learning beyond the classroom

This is an active, varied and rewarding role, ideal for those wanting real experience before committing to a long‑term career path.

Is this role right for you?

We’re looking for people who are:

  • Calm, resilient and flexible
  • Enthusiastic about supporting children and young people
  • Good team players with a positive attitude
  • Confident communicating with pupils and adults

✅ You do not need previous experience – we provide paid training and ongoing development.

✅ A good standard of English and Maths is required.

What we can offer you

  • A structured one‑year opportunity to explore a potential career direction
  • Excellent preparation for future study or careers in Education, Psychology,Therapy, Social care or SEND services.
  • Strong support from experienced school leaders
  • Opportunity to develop highly transferable skills including communication, teamwork and resilience
  • Employee Wellbeing Programme (including 24/7 GP access), staff wellbeing activities and free parking
  • Surrey County Council benefits including Local Government Pension Scheme, paid sickness entitlement, discount schemes (retail and leisure)

Many staff find this experience to be a valuable stepping stone into further training or employment.

Working hours and pay

  • Fixed‑term contract for one year
  • Up to 30 hours per week (part‑time may be available, subject to class staffing)
  • Primary hours: 9.15am – 3.15pm
  • Secondary & FE hours: 8.50am – 2.50pm
  • Term time only
  • Salary: PS3 – £17,442 (based on 30 hours per week, term time only)

Salary is paid on a spread‑over basis, meaning you receive the same amount each month, including school holidays.

Please note: This amount does not yet include the Surrey Support Staff Pay Award currently under negotiation from 1 April 2026.

Application forms only – CVs cannot be accepted.

Freemantles is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to demonstrably share this commitment.

An Enhanced DBS check will be essential. Please note that we will be undertaking online searches on shortlisted candidates, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We will be shortlisting applications using the person specification. Please ensure that you read the job description and person specification before submitting your application. The job description, person specification and application form can be seen below. Please submit your application form online via ETEACH.

Closing dates: 9am on 13 May 2026 and 10 June 2026

We will shortlist applications after each closing date.

Interviews: 19 May 2026 and 18 June 2026.

Attachments

Safeguarding Statement:

‘Safeguarding is Everyone’s Business’

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people. We make every effort to provide an environment in which children, young people and adults feel safe, secure, valued and respected, and feel confident to talk if they are worried, believing they will be effectively listened to.