Education Support Assistant

Job reference:006251

Salary:£12.65ph; £19,768.79 pa

Department:Education

Hours Per Week:35

Closing date:25/04/2026

Job Description

Exceptional People Deserve Exceptional Staff

About Shaftesbury Statement

Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational and rehab services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing and supported living.

Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has one school, Shaftesbury Victoria School, and 2 further education colleges, Shaftesbury Millie College and Shaftesbury Nash College. The school is for students aged 3-19, and the colleges are for students aged 16-25. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some have profound and complex learning needs.

About the Role

We are looking for a caring and reliable Education Support Assistant to work alongside and assist our students. You will be supporting the class Tutor and Co Tutor with the preparation of resources to meet the personalized learning intentions of allocated students; providing 1:1 support under the supervision of the class Tutor for the delivery of skills-based learning; using a range of communication strategies including Makaton to support communication with students with a range of complex needs; working with the Curriculum and Pastoral Leads to support the social and emotional needs of young people; working closely with class Tutor/Co Tutor to report on student progress using an evidence-based approach; and using the College Evidence for Learning system to record attainment and progress within lessons.

In this role, you will help to provide a safe, enjoyable, and positive educational experience for students, ensuring their needs are met with dignity and respect. The ideal candidate will be compassionate, patient, and committed to promoting independence wherever possible. This pivotal role ensures we fulfill our three key aims;

• Supporting lifelong learning for all

• Enabling access to high-quality education

• Supporting young people to live safe and independent lives.

You will be responsible for maintaining exceptional standards of care, fostering a culture of safety, compliance, and excellence in order to support meaningful learning experiences for students with special needs. Your role will focus on meeting individual needs with dignity and respect, creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team, where your contribution will make a real difference in the lives of young people. You will play a key part in promoting wellbeing and independence, while working in a supportive and inclusive environment that values professional growth.

The successful candidate will be compassionate, patient, and committed to encouraging independence wherever possible. You will bring enthusiasm, self-motivation, and empathy, along with a genuine passion for supporting students. A calm, adaptable approach and excellent interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:-

• Enable students to learn by; understanding their learning goals and targets; enable them to practice and learn new skills and challenge them to be as independent as possible

• Be involved in the provision of all aspects of support necessary that will ensure the students wellbeing and ability to function and engage in learning.

• Provide the highest standards of holistic care and attention for the students by understanding the guidelines and advice provided by the multidisciplinary team and the individuals own preferences and wishes.

• Assist in the provision of a safe and stimulating environment and activities for students which will challenge and enable them to learn and practice their skills.

• Understand and fully implement Shaftesbury Safeguarding policies and procedures.

• Take an active role in enabling students to learn against their targets through all aspects of College life and to record their achievements using EFL software.

• Assist in maintaining accurate records both written and electronic in accordance with registration and legal requirements, these will need to be timely, informed and legible.

• Actively support a total, functional communication approach, using alternative communication systems such as Makaton, Object cues/reference and programmes or devices such as single switches, VOCA’s or Communicate in Print

• Participate fully in the College’s quality assurance processes and procedures by reflecting on your own practice, the class team(s), the college as a whole.

• Participate in and take full advantage of the staff training programmes, including mandatory training, staff meetings, supervision and annual performance reviews.

• Perform such additional activities commensurate with the post of Learning/Enabling Support Worker as may be requested by a Senior Manager.

• Be responsible for and able to evidence own personal development by undertaking relevant training, attending meetings, conferences and events ensuring that you are updated in all matters relevant to the role within your Personal Development Plan agreed with your line manager.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Evidence of a good level of general education attainment and Literacy and Numeracy skills

• Evidence of continued professional and personal development

• Full driving license and willingness and ability to drive College minibuses/cars

• Excellent understanding and knowledge of Safeguarding policies and procedures

• A good understanding of what constitutes best practice within a teaching and learning environment

• Knowledge of and ability to implement and be compliant in OFSTED essential standards of quality and safety

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to a wide range of audiences

• Ability to develop positive relationships within the work setting and contribute effectively to achieve consistency and quality.

Why Join Us?

What you will enjoy:

• Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of animals, students, and the wider community.

• Build and lead a dedicated, passionate team in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Safeguarding

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.

Equality and Diversity

Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.

Application Process

Please ensure you provide a supporting statement with your application.

Job Description and Application Form on request – please contact Cenan Chappell cchappell@victoria.poole.sch.uk

Closing date: 25.4.26

Interview Dates: To be confirmed

Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates.

Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.