Education Support Worker

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!

Job Title:            Education Support Worker

Location:            Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset

Salary:                Up to £20,000 per annum

Hours:                37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday

Contract:            Permanent; Term Time only

Are you an Education Support Worker committed to improving the lives of pupils and young people?

About the role

You will need to have a Full Manual Driving Licence and proven successful experience of working with pupils in an educational setting and working with autistic pupils. The ability to offer Forest school, outdoor activities or adventure activities would be a distinct advantage.

We are looking for a passionate staff who want to support pupils with a variety of complex needs such as Autism, SEMH, ADHD, Non-Verbal and Pre-Verbal and Communicational difficulties and more. You will be required as a part of your role to undertake personal care duties to support our students. 

We would love to hear from candidates who have their GCSE C or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths, but you don’t need any experience to join our team. We will provide you with full training and development to succeed within your role.

You will be adaptable and ready to work in a variety of classroom roles, both indoors and outside according to individual need. Taking a responsive and caring approach, you may be running classroom activities, leading outdoor experiences or supervising pupils as they explore further afield.

You will have a proven successful experience of working with pupils in an educational setting and working with autistic pupils.  

About us

Wessex Lodge School comprises of two main sites: Wessex Lodge School, the main school where classroom-based activities take place, the second site being Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley and allows students the opportunity to explore subject paths which would otherwise not be available to them.

We have grown to support 40 students, aged 8-18 years old. Each student has individual needs based on developmental challenges, Social and Emotional Mental Health difficulties or Autism. We support them using individual plans and the THRIVE approach. Wessex Lodge offers all students an individualised education to improve life outcomes. 

The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have individual skills, which can be utilised, within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you!

Why join Acorn Education & Care? 

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 

#1