Job Vacancies

All our vacancies can also be found on the Hampshire school jobs page

Minibus Driver

• Permanent: 10 hours per week
• [Additional Hours are Available]
• Term-Time only (39 weeks)
• Actual Salary £5,570 to £5,645 p.a. (for 10 hours)
• Full Time Equivalent Salary: £24,027 to £24,348 p.a.
• Monday to Friday: 2.45pm to 4.45pm 
• Closing Date:  Tuesday 10th December 2024
• Interviews: Friday 13th December 2024

We are seeking a minibus driver to safely transport a small number of pupils from home to school, Monday to Friday, term time only.  The children at Forest Park are aged 4-19 years, have severe learning difficulties and associated disabilities including autism; some of them may also be wheelchair users.

In addition to the after-school run, there is also the opportunity for the successful candidate to work additional hours as a driver for regular class trips each week.  However, this is not a requirement of the role.

As a minibus driver you will be responsible for:

• Safely transporting pupils and the escort, from school to home 
• Health and safety of all passengers 
• Daily vehicle check to ensure it is safe to be driven

The successful candidate will need:

• A driving licence that allows the driving of a minibus with up to 16 passengers – usually class D1
• Experience of driving a minibus (an advantage, but not essential as training will be given)
• MIDAS certificate (or equivalent qualification to drive a Minibus), or willingness to undertake the MIDAS training.
• A positive attitude, patience and flexibility 
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, families and staff
• To be understanding of and empathetic to, the pupils’ individual needs
• Have the ability to work on your own initiative
• An understanding and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• A good knowledge of the local area

Training on moving and handling, using a tail lift and the clamping of wheelchairs into a bus will also be given.

If you would like further details of this role and to visit the school please contact the school office.

Learning Support Assistant - Grade B

We are seeking to appoint enthusiastic, inspiring, resilient and skilled Teaching Assistants to join our great school.

Forest Park School is a special school for pupils aged 2-19 years. Our pupils have a range of needs including profound and complex difficulties, severe learning difficulties and autism. Recently inspected by Ofsted and judged as a ‘Good’ school overall with ‘Outstanding’ in personal development.

We have a strong team of dedicated, friendly and highly skilled staff who provide an exciting, balanced curriculum which emphasises personal and academic success. We also provide a comprehensive training schedule.

We are based on two sites (Primary and Secondary) and staff may be required to work on either site.

If you are up for a challenge, and really want to help make a positive difference to the lives of pupils with special educational needs then this could be the place for you.

If you are shortlisted for interview please plan to be in school for the whole morning. This is a permanent full-time position however, there may be flexibility and this could be negotiable.

• 30 hours per week (8.50-3.25)
• Monday – Friday term time only.
• Actual salary: £16,401 (Pro-rata for part time)

We reserve the right to review applications and interview before the stated closing date which may result in earlier vacancy closure.

Interview Date – TBC

MDSA

Midday Lunchtime Supervisors

Forest Park is a Special School in Totton. Recently inspected by Ofsted and judged as a ‘Good’ school overall with ‘Outstanding’ in personal development. We need midday supervisors to help our children with physical disabilities and learning difficulties eat their lunch and to supervise their playtime afterwards. 

You will be required to work between 11.45am - 1.15pm daily which is 7.5 hours per week. Term Time only. We are a split site school, and you may be required to work on either site.

Following a successful probation period there may be the opportunity to work extra hours on a casual basis in the classroom if this was of interest to you. Many of our Learning Support Assistants have started their career as Midday Lunchtime Supervisors.

The position is to start as soon as possible after the appropriate safeguarding checks.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Is caring, calm and patient
• Relates well to both children and adults and has excellent interpersonal skills
• Is able to work as a part of a team, learning with and from other colleagues
• Enjoys working independently and with initiative
• Will proactively supervise children in the dinner hall, encouraging good table manners, and assisting with associated duties; setting up and cleaning dining tables and chairs, clearing spillages
• Actively promotes play and recognises the positive benefits it can have for children
• Understands confidentiality and safeguarding procedures

Grade: A1 - Annual Actual Salary: £3,522

Closing date: TBC

Interviews: TBC

Please note that we may invite suitable applicants for interview prior to the closing date.

Co- opted Governor

We currently have a vacancy for a co-opted Governor. This cannot be a parent or member of staff at the school.

Would you like to make a difference to our amazing children and young adults at Forest Park? Please contact the School Business Manager for an application form.

The main requirements are attending 6 meetings per year (usually evenings) and having some flexibility to visit school during it open hours. Most importantly, to want to help children get the best out of life.