Are you looking for a fulfilling role, where every day is different and you can make a difference to the lives of children and their families?
Freemantles School is a Specialist school based in Mayford Green, Woking, providing education provision for autistic children and young people or children with complex social communication needs aged 4 to 19 years. In January 2024 we opened a new temporary satellite site for autistic infant children at the former Ripley CoE Infants School building.
We are seeking Classroom Assistants to join our rapidly expanding team. You will be providing classroom support in our Primary School. Our children are aged 4 to 11 and our classes each have 9 children.
We are currently recruiting for September 2024, but would consider an earlier start for successful candidates.
What can we offer you?
- An opportunity to learn on the job; whilst previous experience of working with children would be good, it is not essential, as we provide all staff with a paid training package and ongoing professional development.
- The school leaders at Freemantles are experienced in supporting staff to develop their individual careers in a range of fields including education and psychology for example. The unique hands-on experience you will gain with Freemantles may be an ideal stepping stone in your career.
- A rewarding role, with plenty of variety. The curriculum at Freemantles is not only what we formally teach, it is the means by which we focus on the learning needs of each student for their emotional well-being and life satisfaction both now and in the future. We aim to deliver an exciting and stimulating curriculum, which includes outdoor and community learning. All classes have weekly outings into the community to extend their learning beyond the classroom and develop their communication, independence and social skills.
- As a Surrey County Council employee, you will be able to access a generous pension scheme, Surrey retail and leisure discount and offer programme, paid sickness leave, built in holiday pay entitlement.
- A workplace which promotes professional wellbeing and resilience. All staff at Freemantles have access to an Employee Assistance Programme, a dedicated staff room and free parking. We also run wellbeing and social activities throughout the year. We have recently setup a staff food bank.
What are we looking for in a Classroom Assistant?
- Enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the children and young people at Freemantles in all learning activities both inside and outside of the classroom.
- Hardworking, resilient individuals that can be flexible and have an ability to stay calm when things get tricky.
- Good team players to work within the class team and be respectful of others
- Willingness to learn and participate in ongoing training
The position is for 30 hours per week, from 9.15am to 3.15pm. The position is term time only and is graded at PS3 with a salary of £15,247 pro rata (Full time equivalent £21,269). The Surrey Pay Award for 2024/25 is currently being negotiated and any pay increase will be effective from 1st April 2024 (not currently reflected in these figures).
We are offering permanent contracts, as well as fixed-term contracts which are ideal for gap-year opportunities.
A good level of English and Maths is required.
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.
Application forms only - CV’s are not accepted. We will be shortlisting applications using the person specification. Please ensure that you read the job description and person specification before submitting your application.
Closing date: Monday 22nd April 2024 at 9am
Interviews: Tuesday 30th April 2024 in the afternoon. Interviews will be held at our Mayford site, GU22 0AN and will include the opportunity to spend a short time in a classroom at Freemantles.
The job description, person specification and application form can be seen below. Please submit your application form online via ETEACH.
‘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.