Student Support Assistant

Classroom Support is delighted to be working in partnership with a large 'Outstanding' specialist school in Westerham to recruit experienced Student Support Assistants to join their dedicated team from September 2026.

These are long-term opportunities with the potential to secure a permanent position following a successful probationary period. The school also offers flexible shift patterns within its residential provision, providing excellent opportunities for candidates looking for additional hours.

About the School

This exceptional specialist school provides education and residential support for children and young people with physical disabilities, complex medical needs, and additional learning needs.

Set within beautiful grounds and equipped with outstanding specialist facilities, the school is recognised for its highly supportive environment, excellent staff development, and commitment to delivering the highest standards of care and education.

Due to the nature of the role, successful candidates will work across the school's Primary, Secondary, and Residential provisions, supporting pupils both during the school day and within the residential setting where required.

The Role

As a Student Support Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping students access learning while supporting their personal care, mobility, and independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing high-quality support to pupils with complex physical disabilities and additional needs.
• Delivering personal care with dignity, compassion, and respect.
• Supporting pupils with mobility using safe moving and handling techniques.
• Assisting students throughout the school day and, where required, within the residential provision.
• Promoting independence, wellbeing, and inclusion.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, nurses, and residential care staff to deliver outstanding support.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will have:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Confidence and experience providing personal care.
• A valid Moving and Handling or Manual Handling of People qualification (completed within the last 12 months, or recently enough to remain current).
• Practical experience using moving and handling equipment within a care or education setting.
• A caring, patient, and compassionate approach with excellent communication skills.
• Flexibility to work across different departments and shift patterns.

A background in residential care, healthcare, nursing, or specialist care is highly desirable.

Essential Requirements

• Full UK driving licence (the school's rural location makes driving highly recommended. The nearest transport links are via Oxted with local bus services available).
• Enhanced DBS including both Children's and Adults' Barred List checks (registered on the Update Service), or willingness to obtain one.
• Current Moving and Handling of People certification.
• Right to work in the UK.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay of £14.50–£15.00 per hour.
• Weekly pay through Classroom Support.
• Long-term opportunities with a pathway to permanent employment.
• Flexible shift patterns, including residential morning and evening shifts.
• Ongoing professional development and refresher training provided by the school.
• A supportive leadership team and outstanding working environment.
• Opportunities for additional overtime.

Safeguarding & Compliance

Classroom Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including:

• An Enhanced DBS with both Children's and Adults' Barred List checks (registered on the Update Service), or willingness to obtain one.
• Professional reference checks.
• Verification of the right to work in the UK.
• Any additional pre-employment checks required in line with Department for Education guidance.

A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection is essential for this role.

Why Join Classroom Support?

As an ethical, independent, and inclusive education recruitment agency, we are passionate about matching high-quality professionals with rewarding opportunities across Kent. We pride ourselves on providing ongoing support, honest advice, and access to long-term career opportunities within specialist education.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced care or SEND professional looking to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs, we'd love to hear from you.

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps.

If this opportunity isn't the right fit, we also recruit for a wide range of SEN and mainstream schools across Kent and would be happy to discuss alternative positions that match your skills and experience.