Specialist Care & Teaching Assistant

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled 1:1 Specialist Care Assistant to provide holistic, personalised support for a range of students with physical needs, ensuring they can access a broad and balanced curriculum and participate fully in school life.

The postholder will deliver specialist physical-care routines, mobility assistance, intimate care, and differentiated learning interventions. They will work closely with teaching staff, therapists, and the study support team to ensure the student’s needs are met. The role combines the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant with the specialist-care duties required for children with significant physical impairments. Please see the attached full for the complete list of duties and responsibilities.

The Fernwood School has a long‑standing tradition of excellence and an ambitious vision for the continued growth of its curriculum and high quality teaching an learning. Our well‑established Study Support Faculty works collaboratively with teachers across the curriculum to support the delivery of carefully sequenced, thoughtfully planned lessons that are underpinned by current research and high‑quality teaching and learning strategies.

The Study Support staff work tirelessly to ensure that all SEND students are supported to achieve their full potential across the curriculum. For students who are unable to access our mainstream curriculum there is a comprehensive and bespoke Nurture curriculum in place which is taught by subject specialists.

The successful candidate will be a dedicated Specialist Care TA with a genuine passion for supporting and inspiring SEND learners.

Fernwood is a large 11-16 School, enjoying an excellent reputation for high standards of achievement and behaviour. We offer a school with:

• An ethos of ‘High Achievement with Care and Discipline for All’

• A wonderful group of students who behave well and have high aspirations

• Staff and Trustees that are professional and enjoy working together for the benefit of the young people we serve

• An Ofsted outstanding judgement

• A strong Progress 8 and Attainment 8 score

• Access to 24 hours a day confidential employee assistance programme

• Subsidised yoga classes

• Cycle to work scheme

The Trustees and staff are committed to continuous improvement and welcome applications from candidates with drive and determination to work in an environment that inspires and challenges students of all abilities and from all backgrounds.

The Fernwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Services check along with other relevant employment checks. In addition, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a Self-Disclosure is required for all applicants shortlisted for interview. Online searches will be carried out on all shortlisted applicants as part of due diligence checks.

Please submit your completed application explaining how your skills, qualities and experience would enable you to be successful in the role to the Headteacher, Mr. C Gell via My New Term.