Health Care and Education Assistant

Temporary Contract until August 2027, with the potential to extend, subject to funding. Part Time- 34 hours per week (8.40am to 4pm Mon-Fri) Term Time Only plus 2 weeks.

The Oaks is a generic special school for pupils aged 11–19 with moderate, severe, or profound learning difficulties and/or Autism Spectrum Conditions. The school has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted in its last four consecutive inspections, reflecting the high quality of care, education, and support we provide to our pupils.

The Board of Governors at The Oaks Secondary School are seeking to appoint two Health Care & Education Assistants to join our team.

Applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or an equivalent relevant qualification. The successful candidates will be responsible for supporting pupils with a range of special educational needs, assisting with general hygiene and personal care routines including toileting, feeding, and dressing. The role also involves supporting the safe positioning and movement of pupils with physical disabilities and contributing to classroom learning activities under the guidance of teaching staff.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, caring, hardworking, and able to work effectively as part of a team. A genuine interest in working with children and young people with special needs is essential.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Calculation of term time only plus two weeks’ pay:

• Term time only plus two additional weeks’ pay is calculated on the basis of the following:
• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus
2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:
40 weeks (term time plus
2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 12pm

Interview date: TBC

The Oaks Secondary School
Rock Road, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 7DB

Tel:
Email: s.lab

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