Support Assistant
Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata
Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026
20 hours per week Mon – Fri, 10am -2pm, term time only
Villa Real School is an all age 2 to 19 years Special School with pupils with SLD, PMLD and Autism.
The Governors are seeking to employ a dynamic and enthusiastic Support Assistant to enhance the care and support in our school, who has knowledge of students with a high level of need.
A rare opportunity has arisen within our fantastic special school. We are seeking an ambitious Support Assistant to complement our class teams.
Villa Real is a truly wonderful place to work. It is a special place to visit and provides the children and families it supports great opportunities. Our children are taught via a bespoke curriculum that meets their needs.
We offer a happy, caring and stimulating environment, where everybody is welcomed and respected. Our ethos and core values support this model and are lived out in the daily work of the school and within the community.
Our ambition, and yours, will be that Villa Real will continue to be a centre of excellence for promoting the latest inclusive practices within education; locally, regionally and nationally. Our pupils deserve an education that will change their lives and give them the opportunity to fulfil their full potential, and in turn the special candidate will enjoy a fulfilling career, releasing your potential and maximising your impact in a forward thinking and innovative ethos.
The role:
1. Assisting with the learning in class as directed by a teacher
2. Leading 1:1 or small groups re: SALT, Physio and Occupational Therapy
3. Leading 1:1 or small groups in literacy and numeracy
4. Cleaning and changing of pupils and students who have poor or no bowel and/or bladder control
5. General hygiene and care of all pupils and students as necessary, assisting pupils with dressing/undressing, toileting, washing, showering, menstruation, nose wiping etc.
6. Hoisting and positioning of pupils/ students
7. 1:1 feeding or group eating and feeding as directed assisting with the development of skills associated with independence, appropriate social behaviour and good manners
8. Assist with yard duty
9. Daily laundry
10. Cleaning and hygiene of specialist seating and or spillages
11. Escorting pupils to and from home/school transport or outdoor activities or trips
12. Preparation of drinks and the hygiene and care of all specialist feeding/ drinking equipment in the classroom
13. Assisting with hydrotherapy, PE and other similar activities
14. Assisting as required by the Head Teacher in any way that is: consistent with the level and training of the job; for the benefit of the pupils and students and for the smooth running of the school
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
Durham County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce and we positively welcome applicants from all sections of the community. Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met.
The 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 receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.
Closing date: 5th September 2025
Interview date: 12th September 2025
Please return completed applications to the school
Villa Real School
Villa Real Road
Consett
Co. Durham
DH8 6BH
Tel: 01207 503651
Email: villareal@durhamlearning.net
Website: