About the team we are recruiting to
Join our dedicated team at Castle Wood, a vibrant special needs school supporting pupils aged 3 to 11 with a range of needs, including PMLD, SLD, ASD, and complex behavioural challenges. We're passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
What We Offer:
* Friendly, enthusiastic, and well-behaved children who are a joy to work with
* A happy, welcoming school environment with a supportive team
* Personalised opportunities for continuing professional development
* A strong focus on staff wellbeing, including access to occupational health and counselling services
* Staff workwear provided
* Complimentary tea and coffee
* Free on-site car parking
What is the job role?
Key responsibilities include:
* Supervising pupils and ensuring their safety during the midday break, including in the dining hall, playground, classrooms, and circulation areas
* Assisting with setting up and clearing away tables and chairs before and after lunch
* Providing support with personal care when required
* Enhancing pupils' lunchtime experience by leading and organising play activities—this includes supervising games, encouraging the safe and appropriate use of equipment, and creating a positive atmosphere in both outdoor and indoor spaces, such as classrooms and courtyards
* Serving lunches to pupils while following appropriate food hygiene and handling procedures
* Supporting pupils with feeding when necessary and helping to develop their eating skills
* Assisting pupils in returning trays, cutlery, and disposing of waste food
Please note that, due to the expected high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Who are we looking for?
The ideal candidate will:
* Genuinely enjoy working with children
* Communicate and interact effectively with both staff and pupils
* Be responsible, calm under pressure, and able to respond quickly and appropriately to any situation that may arise
Ideally have experience working with children with special educational needs (SEN), although this is not essential
Interview date: Thursday 25th September 2025
Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS.
Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.
Our Values
Our vision, "Together, children first," reflects our belief that everyone plays a vital role in helping our pupils reach their full potential.
Our values drive everything we do at Castle Wood. The school values are honesty, integrity, trust, empathy, respect.