Job Description
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Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Doucecroft School, part of Autism Anglia, is looking for a Pupil and Wellbeing Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated team as a Maternity cover.
As a 'Pupil and Parent Wellbeing Assistant' at Doucecroft, and part of the larger Wellbeing team, you will play a key role in the provision's approach to wellbeing, ensuring consistency in approach and timely interventions occur. You will provide support to pupils, families and staff in liaison with other teams within the provision and the wider Doucecroft School staff team.
Find out more about our school here:Doucecroft School
Location
Doucecroft School, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6
Salary
£17,893.95 per annum (term-time only, plus additional training days)
Hours
28.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time only) plus 3 training days during school holidays
What the role involves
- Build positive, respectful relationships with colleagues, pupils and families, ensuring clear and effective communication between home and provision.
- Provide guidance and support for parents and families, working with the Family Liaison Officer to deliver workshops, coffee mornings and access to external services, including application support.
- Support smooth admissions and transitions for new pupils and families, ensuring accurate information sharing and continuity of care.
- Lead and support 1:1 and small-group pupil wellbeing sessions (e.g. resilience or friendship groups) in collaboration with the therapy team.
- Provide practical, hands-on support to pupils and staff, particularly during play, to help pupils build and maintain meaningful relationships.
- Attend and facilitate Team Around the Family and attendance meetings to support pupils and families effectively.
- Support staff development through induction, training and reflective practice, including managing and debriefing challenging behaviours and contributing to MDTs.
- Maintain up-to-date pupil records, contribute to and review student support plans with teachers and therapists, ensuring safety, development needs and agreed strategies are consistently followed.
What we're looking for
- NVQ Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learningdesirable
- First Aid at Work
- Maths and English GCSE C or above (or equivalent)
- Experience in the field of autism or special educational needs
- Previous experience at a senior level and staff supervision
Most importantly, we're looking for someone with patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for supporting young people.
Benefits & Support
At Doucecroft, we know our staff are at the heart of everything we do, so we make sure you're supported too. We provide:
- Staff wellbeing programmes and mental health support, including free counselling
- 24/7 GP access, bereavement counselling and a probate helpline
- Comprehensive training, supervision and career development opportunities
- Free on-site parking
- Blue Light Card discounts across major retailers and services
- Life cover, dental support and independent financial advice
- A supportive and accessible leadership team
Doucecroft School also offers an excellent work-life balance, supported by its ethos and small class sizes.
Commitment to Diversity
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Information about the School
Doucecroft School is a specialist co-educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, age 3 –19 years. Established in 1973, we are experienced and successful in meeting the needs of students with wide-ranging strengths and needs, providing a nurturing environment where students are able to thrive and grow in independence and self-esteem.
Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are provided on-site by our experienced therapy team.
Doucecroft School is part of Autism Anglia, a regional charity working with children, adults and families affected by Autism.