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Physical Wellbeing Education Support Worker

Shaftesbury
Full-time
30th April 2026
Listed today

Job reference:006301

Salary:£18,443.80

Department:Education

Hours Per Week:32.5

Closing date:30/04/2026

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 seeking a dedicated and motivated Physical Wellbeing Education Support Worker to support the delivery of PE, swimming and physical activity across the school.

Working under the direction of the PE Teacher, you will support students to access a broad and inclusive physical curriculum, promoting independence, teamwork and enjoyment of physical activity. You will work collaboratively with teaching, therapy and support teams to ensure all students can fully participate and succeed.

This is a highly rewarding role for someone passionate about supporting young people with SEND to develop confidence, physical skills and lifelong wellbeing.

You will be responsible for maintaining exceptional standards of care, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and positive experience for students. Your role will focus on meeting individual needs with dignity and respect, creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported.

Together alongside your colleagues as a team, you will foster a culture of safety, compliance, and excellence. This collaborative approach is essential to delivering high quality support for students with special educational needs, helping them thrive both socially and academically.

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

  • Support the delivery of PE, swimming and physical activity lessons across all pathways

  • Assist students in adapted sport, therapy-based activities and enrichment clubs

  • Provide personal care, including moving and handling, feeding and changing

  • Prepare and maintain PE equipment, ensuring safe learning environments

  • Support therapy programmes including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy

  • Assist with extra-curricular activities, trips and sports events

  • Promote positive behaviour, independence and student engagement

Essential Skills & Qualifications

  • Basic literacy, numeracy and ICT skills

  • Experience working with children or young people, ideally with SEND

  • Ability to build positive relationships with students and work as part of a team

  • Understanding of safeguarding, health & safety and student wellbeing

  • Physically able to support moving and handling requirements

  • Strong communication skills and a flexible, proactive approach

  • Commitment to promoting independence, dignity and inclusion

Why Join Us?

What you will enjoy:

  • Making a meaningful impact on student wellbeing and development

  • Working within a skilled, multi-disciplinary team

  • Access to training including moving and handling, therapy support and SEND practice

  • Opportunities to support enrichment, sport and outdoor learning

  • A supportive, inclusive and values-driven 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 NOTE THAT THIS ROLE DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SPONSORSHIP

Job Description and Application Form on request – please contact: Helen Malt HMalt@victoria.poole.sch.uk

Closing date: 30th April 2026

Interview Dates: w/c 4th May 2026

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.

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