Freemantles School is a Specialist school based in Mayford Green, Woking, providing educational provision for children and young people with complex social communication needs and/or autism aged 4 to 19 years.
We have been expanding over the past few years and now have both a Primary school building and a Secondary & FE school building on the same site. We are seeking Classroom Assistants to join our rapidly expanding team at Mayford. You will be providing classroom support to the young people in our Secondary School and FE department (11-19yrs). Our classes have up to 10 young people in them.
What can we offer you?
• An opportunity to learn on the job; whilst previous experience of working with children or young people 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 staffroom 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 8.50am to 2.50pm. 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 15th April 2024 at 9am
Interviews: Tuesday 23rd April 2024. Interviews 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.