Are you kind, patient, and passionate about making a difference? Kirkby Woodhouse School, part of the Aspire Multi-Academy Trust, are looking for a caring and committed Care Assistant to provide 1:1 support for a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Key Stage 1. As a ‘Take Care’ school, we believe every child has the right to learn and grow in a caring environment where they feel safe, happy, and included. This is a wonderful opportunity to join a friendly team and help a young learner thrive each day.
About the Role
In this 1:1 support role, you will work closely with our Key Stage 1 staff to support a young child with SEND throughout the school day. Your main goal is to ensure the child can fully participate in classroom activities and feel safe, happy, and supported at school.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Assisting the child with learning activities, play, and communication, adapting tasks under the teacher’s guidance so the child can engage and succeed.
- Using patience and positivity to build the child’s confidence and independence, celebrating their achievements and encouraging progress.
- Working collaboratively with the class teacher, SENDCo, and other staff to create an inclusive learning environment where the child is fully involved in class and school life.
- Monitoring the child’s well-being and progress, and communicating with the team (and the child’s parents/carers when appropriate) to ensure consistency and the best possible support.
Every day, you will be making a direct impact by helping this child overcome challenges and enjoy school. This role is highly rewarding – you’ll witness growth and smiles as you help create a nurturing space for learning.
About You (The Ideal Candidate)
We are looking for someone who truly cares about young children and their development. The ideal candidate will:
- Be kind, patient, and empathetic, with a warm approach that helps children feel safe and valued.
- Work well in a team – you’ll be an important part of our Early Years staff, so being cooperative and communicative is essential.
- Be willing to learn and adapt – every child is unique, and we will provide guidance and training to help you support this child effectively.
- Show initiative and reliability – ready to jump in and help wherever needed to ensure the child’s needs are met throughout the day.
Experience with SEND or supporting children with additional needs is a bonus, but not a strict requirement. What matters most is your positive attitude and commitment to learning. If you have worked in a school or care setting before, or have relevant qualifications (e.g. a Teaching Assistant certificate or childcare training), please let us know – but we will happily consider enthusiastic newcomers who are eager to grow in this role.
What We Offer
By joining Kirkby Woodhouse School and the Aspire family, you will become part of a professional, inclusive, and supportive community. We offer:
A welcoming school environment where colleagues are friendly, supportive, and share a passion for helping every child succeed. You will be joining a school and trust that value caring, compassionate and fulfilling learning environments for all.
- Induction, training, and ongoing development: We are committed to helping our staff grow. As part of Aspire Multi-Academy Trust, you’ll have access to continuing professional development (CPD).
- This includes training in areas such as safeguarding, first aid, and strategies for supporting children with SEND. We invest in our people so you feel confident and skilled in your role.
- Inclusive ethos: Our school embraces the Aspire “take care” ethos – we take care of ourselves, each other, our world, and our work. You’ll work in a team that believes “every child has the right to learn and grow in a caring school with equal opportunities for all”. Diversity and inclusion aren’t just words here; they are lived values.
- The chance to make a meaningful impact every single day. This role lets you directly support a child’s learning and happiness. You’ll see the difference your patience and encouragement make, which is incredibly rewarding.
- Being part of Aspire Multi-Academy Trust means you also join a wider network of educators. We believe we are “stronger and better together”, sharing expertise across our academies and supporting each other’s development. You will have opportunities to learn from others and even share any special skills you bring, within a collaborative trust-wide community.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
Aspire Multi-Academy Trust and Kirkby Woodhouse School are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references, along with other pre-employment checks, as part of our safer recruitment process.
We are also an inclusive and equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our team and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our school and trust strive to ensure that all children, regardless of background or ability, are supported to achieve their potential in a safe, respectful environment.
How to Apply
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we would love to hear from you! Please apply by completing our application form, along with a cover letter by Wednesday 15th July. For any questions or to discuss the role further, you are very welcome to contact Mrs. Roebuck, our Deputy Head Teacher and SENDco. She will be happy to talk with you and even arrange a visit to the school, so you can see our Key Stage 1 setting in person.
Join us at Kirkby Woodhouse School and help us create a nurturing, inclusive start for our youngest learners. We look forward to welcoming a new member to our Aspire family – together in achievement!
Please see the job description for more information.
Completed application forms & cover letters should be sent via email FAO Mrs Greasby to office@kirkbywoodhouse.notts.sch.uk.
Be part of something special. Help shape the future of Kirkby Woodhouse Primary School, ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life.
