Health Care & Education Assistant Grade 2, SCP 3-4 £24,796 to £25,185 pro rata per annum Temporary, Term time only 34 Hours per week, 8.40am to 4pm Required as soon as possible until 31/03/2026 (with the expectation that this will be extended, subject to funding) The Oaks Secondary School is a generic special school for pupils aged 11–19 with moderate, severe, or profound learning difficulties and/or Autism Spectrum Conditions. The school has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted in its last four consecutive inspections, reflecting the exceptional quality of care, education, and support we provide to our pupils. The Board of Governors at The Oaks Secondary School are seeking to appoint three Health Care & Education Assistants to join our dedicated team. Applicants should hold an NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or an equivalent relevant qualification, or demonstrate a willingness to work towards obtaining one. The successful candidates will be responsible for: • Supporting pupils with a range of special educational needs. • Assisting with general hygiene and personal care routines, including toileting, feeding, and dressing. • Supporting the safe positioning and movement of pupils with physical disabilities. • Contributing to classroom learning activities under the guidance of teaching staff. We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, caring, hardworking, and able to work effectively as part of a team. A genuine interest in working with children and young people with special needs is essential. Application packs and further information are available from Mrs Sarah Labron, School Business Manager, via email at s.labron200@theoaks.durham.sch.uk. Completed applications must be submitted to the school by Monday 12th January 2026 on 12:00 noon Please note that, in line with Durham County Council’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, CVs will not be accepted, and any information provided on a CV will not be considered during shortlisting. The Oaks Secondary School is maintained by Durham County Council and is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited to interview if they meet the essential job criteria. The Oaks Secondary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and a clear enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required. The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. Standard term time only pay is calculated on the basis of the following: • Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus • Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus • Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days) Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example: Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service: 38 weeks (term time) 27 days (annual leave) 8 days (public holidays) = 45 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service: 38 weeks (term time) 32 days (annual leave) 8 days (public holidays) = 46 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments The Oaks Secondary School Rock Road Spennymoor Co Durham DL16 7DB Tel: 01388 827380 Email: s.labron200@theoaks.durham.sch.uk Website: www.theoaksschool.co.uk VPRS/161