Are you ready for an opportunity that truly matters? We are looking for a dedicated Play and Independence Assistant to join our friendly, supportive, and imaginative team. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or someone with a passion for SEN looking to start a new career, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Play and Independence Assistants supervise and proactively engage with our young people during their social and eating times, supporting them to develop their interaction, communication and self-care skills.

Is This Role for You? 

We are looking for people who are:

Ready to make a difference to pupils with complex needs (pupils aged 4 –18).
Looking to develop: You’ll join a team that values professional development and growth.
Adaptable and kind: Our pupils succeed when they have consistent, caring adults by their sides.
Resilient and positive: A good sense of humour and a positive outlook are a must.

Life at Fred Nicholson 

Fred Nicholson School is a Complex Needs School for pupils aged 4-18 with a wide range of needs, including complex and severe learning difficulties as well as social interaction and communication difficulties. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan and access a practical, hands-on curriculum (based on EYFS and primary models). Our classes are approximately 12 pupils per class, with a focus on engagement and success.

Our New Environment: 

Our purpose-built school on Lynn Road is designed to meet the complex needs of our pupils, featuring:

A dining room designed to support sensory difficulties
Bespoke, sensory-designed learning spaces
Large play area, including a MUGA, climbing equipment, swings and a forest school
Dedicated soft play and independence classrooms

Here is what the week looks like:

Daily: 10:15am – 1:15pm Monday to Friday

We Invest in You 

Don't worry if you haven't worked in a school before. If you have the heart for it, we provide:

A full staff induction programme.
Ongoing Whole School CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
Specialist training appropriate to your specific role.

Please contact hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk for an opportunity to arrange a meeting with Heidi Philpott, Head Teacher, to discuss the role further or to arrange a visit to the school.

How to apply:

A job specification is available from ‘Attachments’.

To download an application form, click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button.

Personal Statement: Use Section 10 to tell us why you are interested in joining us.

Confirm Hours: Please state clearly that you can work the required hours

Completed applications should be submitted to Claire Townly at hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk

Closing Date: 24 September 2026, 9am

Interview Dates: 2 October 2026

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and promising candidates may be invited for interview before the closing date. 

Fred Nicholson School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; an enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. 

Play and Independence Assistant

About This Role

Compensation

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