Mill Ford is a school with a specialism in meeting the needs of children and young adults aged 3-19 with complex needs, including severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties, complex medical needs and autistic spectrum conditions.

We are a friendly, child-centred school where staff work tirelessly to provide each child and young person with an individual and exciting curriculum that ensures pupils develop skills and knowledge for life now and in the future.  We place a strong emphasis on ensuring our pupils aspire to be the best they can, are able to contribute to society, develop their communication and social skills, enjoy learning and have a strong sense of self. We ensure pupils can achieve these things independently in a nurturing environment, where they feel safe enough to take risks.

Safeguarding children and young people is paramount in all we do, so that children and young people can learn and thrive in a safe environment.

29.17 Hours per week  – 39 weeks per year, permanent contract

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9.00am – 3.10pm

Weds 9.00am – 4.00pm

Positions are likely to be based at Mill Ford Rochford (Ernesettle) in the first instance but successful candidates should be prepared to work at either school site; our second site being Mill Ford Riverside (Barne Barton).

We are looking to appoint several enthusiastic individuals with a love of learning and a sense of fun to join our outstanding team. The posts available will involve working with pupils who have complex needs and autism some of whom require support on a 1:1 basis. As such, it would be advantageous for applicants to have experience/ knowledge of working with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Severe Learning Disability (SLD). Ideally, applicants should have experience of working with special needs pupils, or youngsters in a nursery setting, as well as a strong level of resilience to support our pupils. Our pupils’ individual needs and education is of paramount importance to us, we work closely with parents and carers as well as other support agencies to ensure that this is delivered in the most appropriate manner. We aspire for our pupils to achieve and succeed in all that they do.

Candidates should be aware that support staff at Mill Ford School may be asked to administer medication to pupils, following appropriate training.

We are looking for candidates with:

·   A recognised qualification in supporting teaching and learning or/and health and social care

·   Functional Skills level 2 in Maths and English, equivalent or higher

·   A knowledge of learning needs would be desirable

·   Effective communication, resilience and behaviour management skills

If you don’t have the right qualifications we will consider you for a Grade B post.

We will offer you:

·   A rewarding career supporting an amazing group of children and young people.

·   A nurturing supportive workplace with a great team

·   Health and Wellbeing package including Physio support, Counselling and Mindfulness, GP phone and video consultations

·   Access to the cycle to work scheme with Plymouth City Council along with other Plymouth City Council Employee discounts

·   Training to support you in your role including Makaton, Safety Interventions and Trauma Informed Practice.

·   Opportunities for career progression

·   An opportunity to join the school at a time of growth.

·   E-learning through National Online Safety – A suite of learning options to support your professional development.

We are committed to Safeguarding and expect all staff to share this commitment – an enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this post, online check clearance and satisfactory references.