Education jobs in Sussex

Education Assistant

Supporting pupils to access education, learning and independence, while providing essential care.

SALARY: £13.90 per hour £20,329 per annum | Term Time Only

HOURS: 32.5 Hrs per week

At Chailey Heritage School, Education Assistants play a vital role in supporting children and young people with physical disabilities, complex medical needs and communication difficulties. This is a hands-on role where education, care and clinical support come together. You will work as part of a warm, multidisciplinary team alongside specialist teachers, nurses and therapists, supporting pupils both in the classroom and with their personal care and health needs. You will play a key role in enabling pupils to engage in meaningful learning, communication and experiences, removing barriers so they can achieve their potential. If you’re compassionate, practical and motivated by making a real difference, this could be the role for you.

What makes this role special

You’ll support pupils to access a rich and meaningful education in different ways throughout the day with no two days the same. You may support pupils to:

• Access learning using specialist equipment and resources
• Communicate using signs, symbols or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Take part in physical activities such as swimming, trike riding, rebound
• Access community outings or support with on-site workshops
• Receive intimate personal care with dignity and respect
• Be safe, comfortable and supported throughout the school day

Care and clinical support

To enable pupils to fully access their education, it’s important to be clear that this role includes intimate personal care and clinical tasks. With full training and assessment, you will be able to:

• Provide intimate personal care, including full hygiene tasks and toileting
• Support eating and drinking safely
• Carry out clinical care tasks such as gastronomy care and administering medication
• Follow detailed care plans, therapy programmes and safety procedures

You will never be asked to carry out tasks you have not been trained for, and you will always be supported by experienced colleagues, nurses and/or therapists.

Is this role right for you?

This role may be right for you if you:

• Are comfortable with hands-on care and practical tasks
• Can remain calm, patient and respectful in a busy environment
• Are open to learning new skills, with clinical and specialist training
• Value teamwork and supporting others

We’ll discuss the care and clinical elements at interview so you can feel confident about the role.

This is a role where your support directly enables children and young people to learn, communicate and experience a fulfilling school life.

More than just your salary!

We believe in nurturing potential — for children and young people, and for colleagues too. That’s why as a values-led organisation committed to dignity, respect and inclusion, we invest in you with:

• Competitive Salary
• Full induction and ongoing specialist training
• Opportunities to develop and progress a career
• Strong team support and supervision
• Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing Support with 24/7 Doctor Line
• Enhanced Pension Scheme & Death In Service Benefit
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Retail and leisure discounts
• Onsite parking
• Café, and kitchen facilities

Plus, we cover the cost of all DBS checks and renewals.

Ready to apply?

We review applications as they come in, don’t wait! Interviews will be held within two weeks of application for shortlisted candidates. Apply today at www.careers.chf.org.uk

Questions? Email us at careers@chf.org.uk or WhatsApp 07591 597034. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role at any stage.

Safeguarding is our priority

Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to safe, ethical recruitment. We only advertise roles via our official website and trusted channels – we never ask for payment or bank details to apply.

We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and young adults. Employment will be subject to the receipt of two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for any job in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barred from doing so.

As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. CHF is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data to meet its obligations under GDPR. Please ensure you have reviewed our privacy policy prior to completing an application with us.