Salary: Grade C, Point 10-14, £8,244.55- £8,479.44 (FTE £27,729 - £28,519)
Hours: 12.5 hours per week, term time only
Location: Dysart School, 190 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6HL
Dysart School is an Outstanding special school for 150 pupils aged 4 to 19 who have a range of severe and complex learning difficulties. The School has high expectations for its pupils and believe there is no limit to their potential.
Its main site, located in Surbiton, is bright and well equipped to support the development of its pupils including Early Years classrooms with outdoor learning spaces, a dedicated post-16 hub, accessible swimming pool, sensory room, soft play and adventure play areas and generous grounds equipped for play and outdoor learning.
In addition Dysart School runs two satellite sites next to mainstream schools in the local area to help meet the need for high-quality SEN places in the borough of Kingston.
Dysart School is a progressive and innovative place to work and staff are offered opportunities through regular training and support to develop their own practice. To find out more about us visit our school website
We are looking for enthusiastic Play Assistants with drive and creativity to join our dedicated and welcoming team to support the lunch time sessions for our pupils. You will provide support for our pupils at lunchtime, both with eating and drinking, and joining in leisure activities. You will also be required to support their personal care.
Key Responsibilities:
- Distribute lunches to classrooms, assist with feeding, supervise mealtimes, and maintain hygiene standards
- Support pupils’ movement and personal care needs as advised by therapists
- Encourage social interaction and communicate with non-verbal pupils
- Supervise play activities and clear away after lunch
- Assist with medical needs and provide kitchen support when needed
Key Requirements:
- Proven successful experience of working or caring with children
- Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children
- Have a caring and positive nature
- Work in line with the school’s behaviour policy
Rewards & Benefits:
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season ticket loans
- Employee referral scheme
- Membership to Discounts for Teachers
- Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness
- Comprehensive training and development
- Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured
- Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders
- Scope for career progression across eight college centres, 14 academy schools and shared services team
- Pension scheme - the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) both of which have life cover and financial protection for your family.
Dysart School is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, an established family of specialist academies and college centres that provide for over 1500 pupils and students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website
For an informal discussion about the role, candidates are invited to contact Dysart School directly.
To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in, please complete and submit the Application Form. If you have any queries, please contact Dysart School.
Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.
Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.
Closing Date: 11th May 2025
Interviews will take place on: 23rd May 2025
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.