Play & Engagement Support Assistants

We are seeking enthusiastic, caring and adaptable Play & Engagement Support Assistants to join our warm and supportive special school community. This role focuses primarily on active play and engagement during lunchtimes and breaktimes, with a small element of classroom support as needed. The role supports pupils' wellbeing, social development and independence across the school day.

Play engagement is central to this role. You will join in games, support social interaction, coach and encourage pupils, and help them build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging. For short, planned periods, you may also support pupils in the classroom, working alongside teaching staff to help pupils settle, engage and access learning.

Personal care is an integral part of the role and may include supporting pupils with toileting, changing, feeding and individual care routines. Full training and ongoing support are provided.

Key Responsibilities- Actively engage pupils during playtimes and lunchtimes- Create safe, inclusive and enjoyable play and social experiences- Provide occasional classroom support for short periods, as directed by teaching staff- Encourage positive interaction, communication and independence- Support pupils with personal care in line with individual care plans- Help pupils regulate emotions and manage transitions- Work as part of a collaborative, caring school team.

About Our Pupils: Our pupils have a broad range of strengths and needs, including autism, ADHD, Down's Syndrome, communication and interaction needs, social, emotional and mental health needs, and medical and personal care requirements.

Who We're Looking For: We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with experience in education, care, early years, youth work, or those exploring a meaningful career change. Empathy, patience, adaptability and a willingness to learn are essential., The post falls under the requirements of the Fluency Duty (part of the Immigration Act 2016) which makes it a requirement for all public sector workers operating in 'customer facing' role to be able to speak fluent English.

Why Join Hazel Oak?
A Truly Supportive Environment - We are a school where staff are respected, supported, and celebrated. From peer mentoring and team collaboration to well-being initiatives and coaching, we invest in you. Staff have access to a wider range of health and wellbeing support both in and beyond school.

Continuous Professional Growth - With regular CPD, coaching, supervision and career development pathways, we develop talent for future leadership and help you broaden your expertise.

A Family Feel - Hazel Oak is more than a workplace-it's a community. All staff help to shape school life and improvement planning as part of a collaborative team. We pride ourselves on our sense of belonging and celebrate difference as a strength.

Innovative Curriculum - Our curriculum emphasises life skills, communication, well-being and functional learning. You'll bring learning to life through play, real-world experiences and meaningful relationships through a new inclusive curriculum approach.

Our Vision: Belonging, having fun, discovering our place in the world, building relationships, and overcoming challenges. Learning about life beyond the classroom to shape a successful future.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage those with diverse experience and perspectives. We happily make reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure equity for all.

This is your chance to be a part of something special.