"operational assistant", "operational assistant", "operational assistant", "SEND administrator", "SEND administrator", "SEND administrator"

Our brand new special school for primary-aged learners (KS1, KS2 + Yr7) opens in September 2024 in the Fishponds area of Bristol and we're recruiting for our new staff team. Elmtree Grove School will open based on the successes of learner outcomes at our 5 Elmtree Learning Partnership sites since 2022. Initially, we will be supporting x20 learners with a view to gradually doubling learner capacity in the future. 

All of the learners we support are vulnerable and have an EHCP to define their additional needs. Creativity, perseverance and an empathetic approach when working with them is key to engaging them in education and ensuring their progression.

We are inviting applications for an Operational Support Assistant to join our team. This role will be an integral role to the team and school. You'll be heavily involved in coordinating day-to-day life at the school. The types of duties, although not exhaustive, will include:

• Meeting & greeting visitors to the school
• SEND administration
• attending review meetings
• School show-rounds with prospective parents, learners and other visitors
• Communication - staff communications, responding to and managing school emails & phones

For this role we're looking for someone with great people skills, professionalism, a positive outlook, good computer skills, a good standard of numeracy & literacy and good communication skills. We're building our next great team so if you love working with people who are dedicated to supporting young learners that strive to support their development in a positive setting, this is the role for you.

Our approach is to offer a bespoke and relevant learning program for each learner. Integration into standardised education opportunities and social integration is everything we do. No child should have their future negatively affected or be excluded in their later life due to the lack of access or support for education opportunities that are appropriate to their abilities & strengths.

We believe strongly in people and look for people that have:

• Education-relevant qualifications in supporting teaching & learning
• good experience in supporting young people in an education setting
• understanding and expertise in supporting learners with SEND
• skills & strategies in supporting emotional wellbeing
• tenacity & resilience to manage, influence & effect positive behaviours & decisions in learners
• the ability to present a strong role model for young people
• collaborative and pro-active working practices
• a strong sense of responsibility & work ethic

Working with our organisation is a rewarding experience. We offer an enjoyable workplace with additional employment benefits:

• Bright HR - online HR management portal also offering partner discounts
• Employee Assist - independent healthcare perks
• Free training - role specific & relevant, accredited training
• Employee Support Assistant - dedicated colleagues to support our employees

Applications are welcomed from candidates that meet the vast majority of the above job & person criteria. We also recognise that many people who are interested in such a role may not have specific experience as detailed so we would still welcome an application from those that have substantial experience of supporting young people with SEND or other challenges in education.

All applications will be managed by Elementa. Successful applications will have a full-prescreen, interview and visit to one of our Alternative Provision sites. Any appointment will be subject to a successful interview process, satisfactory references, DBS Enhanced Disclosure and successful completion of employment trial period.

Please apply with your full up to date CV. All applicants will be promptly responded to.