Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy is looking for a Special Support Assistant to work 32.5 hours per week (5 days), term time plus 5 days (39 working weeks per year). 

Are you committed, enthusiastic, with good communication and teamwork skills? Do you have experience of working with young people with special needs? Do you have the aspiration and desire to make a difference? 

Then we would love to hear from you!

About us

Our school caters for children from 3 to 16 with complex physical, medical and sensory needs.  We have an evolving school population of 100+ pupils with ever more complex needs. Our special school is in purpose built accommodation, has an outstanding reputation for the personal development or our pupils and holds inclusion at its heart. We were rated Good (Ofsted November 2021).  

There are over one hundred multi-disciplinary staff on site, working to meet our children's educational, health, physical and emotional development. 

Why work for Ormiston?  Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more

Our vision is for a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest, to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
• Working for a trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
• Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

About you

The main duties are to assist students who need additional support, either individually or in small groups, with learning, physical, medical and personal care.  You will provide exceptional care, guidance and support, so that pupils thrive and make excellent progress in their personal development. 

Ideally you will have experience of working with children in a similar role, although training will be given. We offer excellent support to our staff ensuring that all get the additional support and training they need and opportunities to build upon their experience. 

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lucie or Kelly via email at hr@thomaswolseyoa.co.uk

The closing date for applications is 3 February 2025, early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found.

Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.  Flexible working opportunities will be considered. 

All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974