Job Description

Job Location

Start Point Sholing Wood Close

Contract Length

Permanent

Work Hours

30 hours per week

Salary

FTE 28792 - 31,022 per annum

Special Requirements

Enhanced DBS Check required

Closing Date

19/01/2026

Job Reference

16318

Working with young people is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers. The role can be challenging and requires resilience, but the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, offer consistency, and recognise each child's unique value can have a profound impact on their future. The rewards truly outweigh the challenges.



Springwell School's main site is located on the edge of Southampton in Thornhill. We are a large, designated day special school for children aged 4-11 with complex learning difficulties, including speech and language disorders, autism, and challenging behaviours. Our EYFS provision is based at Startpoint in Sholing.



We foster a supportive, positive learning ethos where staff and pupils work together to reach their full potential. Our aim is to provide the highest possible standards of education and support for children, families, and staff.



We are seeking to recruit several full?time Special School Assistants to join our EYFS provision. Our three Rainbow classes at Startpoint benefit from well?equipped classrooms and gardens designed specifically to meet the needs of Springwell pupils, offering a safe and stimulating learning environment.



Further information about our EYFS curriculum and aims can be found on our website.



We are looking for individuals who are committed, motivated, and enthusiastic about making a genuine difference in the lives of our pupils.



In our most recent Ofsted inspection (June 2023), we were extremely proud to maintain our Outstanding rating for the fourth consecutive time. Ofsted noted: "Staff are proud to work in the school. One said, 'We're a really strong team.' They feel that leaders are thoughtful about workload and responsive to feedback."



No two days are ever the same--there will be challenges, but the experience is always positive.

What we can offer you

+ Competitive salary with regular progression + Opportunities for CPD
+ Free on?site parking
+ Pension scheme
+ Support and training
+ Monday-Friday working pattern
+ Excellent development opportunities within a positive, supportive team
+ Employee Assistance Programme Mental health and wellbeing support

Your contribution

Support and motivate children, encouraging independent learning Contribute to, monitor, and record pupil progress Promote positive behaviour and act as a role model Manage challenging behaviour and provide welfare support in line with school policies Provide welfare support, including basic first aid and personal care Develop understanding of pupils' academic, physical, behavioural, and emotional needs

What you will need

Experience working with children in a school setting (desirable) Knowledge of teaching strategies such as PECS Excellent communication skills Ability to liaise effectively with staff at all levels Enthusiasm, reliability, and resilience Strong teamwork skills Understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

Please refer to the and Person Specification for full details of responsibilities and required knowledge.

Working pattern - 30 hours per week

Monday & Friday:

8:45am - 3:15pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday:

8:55am - 3:15pm

How to apply

Please complete the application form available at www.springwellschool.net and return it to Rachel Ambrey, HR Lead, via email at recruitment@springwellschool.net.

Alternatively, you may post your completed application to:

HR Department

Springwell School

Hinkler Road

Thornhill

Southampton

SO19 6DH

Please note: we do not accept CVs.

Interview process

If shortlisted, you will complete an in?class observation followed by a face?to?face interview with a two?person panel.

Safeguarding

Springwell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to Safer Recruitment procedures, including an enhanced DBS check and an online search of social media platforms in line with KCSIE 2022 guidance.

If you have not heard from us by Thursday 22 January 2026, unfortunately you have not been shortlisted on this occasion

.



Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications. We may also interview candidates before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.


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