Specialist Care & Teaching Assistant
About This Role
We are looking for a committed and skilled 1:1 Specialist Care Assistant to offer holistic, personalized support to a diverse range of students with physical needs, ensuring they can access a comprehensive and balanced curriculum while fully engaging in school life.
The individual in this role will implement specialized physical-care routines, provide mobility assistance, intimate care, and tailored learning interventions. Collaboration with teaching staff, therapists, and the study support team will be essential to meet the unique needs of each student. This position merges the functions of a Teaching Assistant with the specialist-care responsibilities necessary for children with significant physical impairments. For a complete overview of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the attached full job description.
The Fernwood School has a rich history of excellence and an ambitious vision aimed at the continuous enhancement of its curriculum and the quality of teaching and learning. Our well-established Study Support Faculty collaborates effectively with teachers across various subjects to ensure the delivery of thoughtfully sequenced and well-planned lessons, grounded in current research and high-quality teaching strategies.
Our Study Support staff are dedicated to ensuring that all SEND students have the necessary support to realize their full potential across the curriculum. For those students unable to engage with the mainstream curriculum, we offer a tailored Nurture curriculum taught by subject specialists.
The ideal candidate will be a devoted Specialist Care TA with a genuine enthusiasm for supporting and motivating SEND learners.
Fernwood is a large school for students aged 11-16, boasting an outstanding reputation for high standards in achievement and behavior. We provide an environment with:
- A philosophy of ‘High Achievement with Care and Discipline for All’
- A fantastic cohort of students who demonstrate good behavior and have high aspirations
- Professional staff and Trustees who collaborate for the benefit of our young people
- An outstanding judgement from Ofsted
- Strong Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores
- Access to a confidential employee assistance program available 24/7
- Subsidized yoga classes
- A cycle-to-work scheme
The Trustees and staff are dedicated to ongoing improvement and encourage applications from individuals who possess the drive and determination to work in a setting that motivates and challenges students of all abilities and backgrounds.
The Fernwood School prioritizes the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Services check along with other relevant employment verifications. Additionally, this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and a Self-Disclosure is required from all candidates shortlisted for an interview. Online searches will be conducted on all shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence process.
Please send your completed application detailing how your skills, qualities, and experience align with the requirements of this role to the Headteacher, Mr. C Gell, via the WhatSchool platform.