Job Description
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£17,662.23 - £18,825.49+ well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Permanent, Full Time
29.83 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
Immediate Start
We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced Swimming Instructor to join the team at Lift Columbus, a highly regarded special school supporting children and young people aged 3-19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), and autism spectrum conditions (ASC).
Working closely with class teachers, you will play a key role in delivering hydrotherapy and swimming programmes that support learners' physical, social and emotional development. You will lead sessions in our onsite pool, set appropriate swimming and therapeutic goals, and ensure the highest standards of health and safety.
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Swimming
- Has experience working in a swimming pool environment
- Has ideally worked with children or young people with additional needs
- Is calm, patient, and able to adapt instruction to meet a wide range of abilities
- Is confident working collaboratively with class staff and therapy teams
About Lift Columbus
Lift Columbus is an all-through special school based in Chelmsford, Essex, supporting children and young people aged 3 to 19 with PMLD, SLD, and ASC. Split across two purpose-built sites, our school provides a highly personalised and nurturing learning environment where every learner is supported to thrive. We pride ourselves on delivering a rich and meaningful curriculum, developed in partnership with families and therapy teams, and designed to prepare our young people for happy, healthy, and independent futures.
To arrange a visit or tour, please contact Brooke Carr, our School Operations Manager on bcarr@columbusschoolandcollege.org
Closing date : 21st September 2025
Who is Lift Schools?
We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.
We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:
- Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Information about the School
Lift Columbus has a rich history that reflects the development of specialist education in Chelmsford. Originally two separate schools – Woodlands School, supporting children aged 3–19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex learning difficulties (CLD), and Hayward School, supporting children aged 4–16 with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) and autism – the schools federated in 2005 to form the Chelmsford New Model Special School. In September 2009, they formally amalgamated to become Columbus School and College, now proudly part of Lift Schools.
Today, Columbus provides education for children and young people aged 3–19, across two campuses. We cater for a wide spectrum of additional needs, including PMLD, severe learning difficulties (SLD), moderate learning difficulties (MLD), and autism. Our provision is designed to support learners at every stage of their journey, from the early years through to preparation for adulthood.
We are committed to providing a personalised and ambitious curriculum, tailored to individual needs. This includes a strong focus on communication, independence, social interaction, and life skills, alongside academic learning. Our dedicated team of teachers, support staff and therapists work in close partnership with families and external agencies to ensure that every child can flourish.
Columbus also benefits from excellent facilities, including:
Specialist classrooms and therapy spaces designed for sensory and physical needs.
Vocational learning opportunities to prepare young people for life beyond school.
A sixth form college provision, enabling students to continue their education in a supportive environment and develop the skills needed for adulthood, further study, or employment pathways
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
Our mission:
- We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
- With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
- We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.