Education Support Worker

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

Our colleagues are now benefitting from the 4DWW so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!

Job Title:       Education Support Worker

Location:      Wessex Lodge Primary School, Wessex Lodge Secondary School & Newmead Farm (positions cover across all locations) 

Salary:          From £20,906.25 per annum

Hours:           37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday

Contract:      Permanent; Term Time only

As part of our continued growth, we are looking for Education Support Workers to join our amazing team at Wessex Lodge School, part of Acorn Education 

About the role

We are looking for a passionate staff who want to support pupils with a variety of complex needs such as Autism, SEMH, ADHD, Non-Verbal and Pre-Verbal and Communicational difficulties and more. You will be required as a part of your role to undertake personal care duties to support our students. 

We would love to hear from candidates who have their GCSE C or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths, but you don’t need any experience to join our team. We will provide you with full training and development to succeed within your role.

You will be adaptable and ready to work in a variety of classroom roles, both indoors and outside according to individual need. Taking a responsive and caring approach, you may be running classroom activities, leading outdoor experiences or supervising pupils as they explore further afield.

You will need to have a Full Manual Driving Licence. The ability to offer Forest school, outdoor activities or adventure activities would be a distinct advantage as well as having proven successful experience of working with pupils in an educational setting and working with autistic pupils.

About us - Wessex Lodge School is growing!

Wessex Lodge School currently comprises of three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School located in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School located in Frome, and Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley. All sites allow students the opportunity to explore the curriculum alongside a range of subject paths, including the likes of, animal care, horticulture, DT, and forest school, as well as sporting activities.

Our students are aged between 6 and 18 years old. Each student has individual needs and, supported by the THRIVE approach, through a proven range of practitioner-led services and our talented staff, we can help to improve life outcomes for every student.

The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have a vast range of individual skills, which can be utilised, within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you!

We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education? 

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 

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