The autistic children and young people at Freemantles have a fascinatingly different perspective on the world. Why not come and find out more for yourselves and join our rapidly growing school and staff team? We can guarantee you will be kept on your toes and no two days are the same!
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. On our Mayford site we have a Primary School building and a new Secondary & FE School building. We are also running a new temporary satellite site for autistic infant children at the former Ripley CoE Infants School building. We are seeking a large number of Classroom Assistants to support new classes joining us in September. Our classes have 9 children on average.
There are positions available in both the Primary and Secondary / FE Schools, as well as the Ripley infants site, to start September 2024 or as soon as possible. When applying, please state whether you wish to work in Mayford or Ripley, and for Mayford positions whether you are applying for a Primary or Secondary/FE role, so that your application can be considered by the relevant team.
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.
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
The positions are for up to 30 hours per week, and we would consider part-time working. Our Primary school hours are from 9.15am to 3.15pm. Our Secondary/FE school hours are from 8.50am to 2.50pm. The positions are term time only and graded at PS3 with a salary of £15,248, based on working 30 hours per week, term time only. This is paid on a spread-over basis so you receive the same amount each month, regardless of school holidays. The Surrey Pay Award for 2024/25 is currently being negotiated and the final agreed pay increase due will be backdated to 1st April 2024 (this is not currently reflected in these figures).
A good level of English and Maths is required.
Application forms only - CV’s are not 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.
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.The job description, person specification and application form can be seen below. Please submit your application form online via ETEACH.
Closing date: Monday 13th May at 9am
Interviews: Monday 20th May 2024. The interviews will include the opportunity to spend time in a classroom.
‘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.