Gap Students

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 15,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

• Ipswich Preparatory School, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3SG
• £14,910 actual per annum
• 2 Posts, with one specialising in Sport
• 38 hours per week, to be worked over 5 days*
• Fixed term from 1 September 2025 – 3 July 2026
• Reference: 0146
• Required from 1 September 2025
• Mondays – Fridays, working hours between 8.45am – 6pm with a one-hour break for lunch, (and a short additional break each day, to ensure weekly working hours do not exceed 38).

We are looking for two dynamic and enthusiastic people to join our passionate team of support staff. You will be committed to ensuring every child reaches their potential through your child-centred approach, and you will be proactive in seeking self-development whilst also working effectively within a team.

Ipswich School is one of the foremost independent schools in East Anglia. It was established prior to 1399 and moved to its present site in 1852. It is a co-educational school with a day nursery, and around 1100 pupils aged between 3 months and 18 years, and operates a five-day week.

In this role you will enrich the learning experience for pupils and help with the day to day running of the school.

You will undertake a range of duties throughout the Lower and Upper Prep School (and possibly some work in the Lodge Pre School Room), such as:

• help with playground supervision and teaching playground games
• office/administration duties e.g. filing, photocopying, data entry
• help with guided reading groups and listening to individual children read
• help Teaching Assistants with their duties (e.g. backing boards for display, display work)
• support practical lessons such as Art, DT and Music
• help in the library
• help to set up for school events
• assist with the co-curricular programme of activities
• accompany children on school trips including residential trips
• help with House events
• cut up fruit for children at break times
• keep playtime equipment organised and tidy
• breaktime and lunchtime duties
• help to prepare and organise orchestra music and folders
• provide some support for Late Stay each day (this operates between 3:30 and 6pm every day)
• help with Visiting Music Teachers’ (VMT) timetables, and letting pupils know their individual times
• support children in games lessons in the Lower and Upper Prep
• support taking children over for swimming lessons
• assist teachers in the delivery of lessons.

If you are applying for our Sports placement, you will also:

• support Games and PE teaching in Pre School, Lower and Upper Prep
• support swimming teaching from Reception to Year 6 children
• lead teams of children in coaching sessions.

Person Specification

• good team working and communication skills
• ability to respect confidentiality and understand the importance of protecting data
• resourceful and self-directed, able to show initiative
• flexible in approach and willing to take on other duties as required
• able to prioritise own workload and to differentiate between tasks that are important and those which are urgent
• forward-thinking and proactive
• ability to support the School’s Safeguarding Children policies and procedures.

If applying for our Sports placement you will also demonstrate:

• specialism in one of our core sports (Hockey, Rugby, Netball or Cricket)
• strong swimmer and has an interest in helping with swimming teaching.

Hours Of Work, Salary And Benefits

• this is a fixed term post for the 2025-26 academic year (subject to satisfactory completion of a probationary period lasting 3 months)
• the hours of work during Ipswich School term time will total 38 hours per week, to be worked over 5 days, and will be worked as follows:
• Mondays – Fridays, working hours between 8.45am – 6pm with a one-hour break for lunch, (and a short additional break each day, to ensure weekly working hours do not exceed 38)
• if additional hours are worked, they can be claimed at the National Living Wage from 1 April 2025, which is dependent on your age. Additional hours must be authorised in advance by the Prep Head
• Ipswich School term time includes two INSET days immediately prior to the start of the Michaelmas term each year (2 and 3 September 2025), and one in February each year (13 February 2026), making a total of 35 weeks per annum. Staff are expected to work their normal hours on INSET days to attend staff training and professional development activities
• in addition, you will be expected to attend a New Staff Induction Day on Monday 1 September 2025
• the salary for this post will be £14,910 per annum (for the hours as detailed above, for an 18–20-year-old) which is inclusive of statutory holiday pay. The salary will be paid in installments from September 2025 to July 2026 inclusive (a total of 11 months)
• free lunch is provided in the school dining hall during term time when the kitchen is in operation
• staff are able to use the school’s swimming pool and fitness gym (in compliance with appropriate rules and regulations)
• after 3 months’ service and/or in line with workplace pension legislation, you will be entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme, and you will receive x3 death in service cover.

How To Apply

A full job description and application form for both posts can be downloaded from www.ipswich.school/vacancies or by contacting [e-mail] / 01473 408300. Completed application forms should be returned by noon on Monday 28 April to the Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SG or email: [e-mail].

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be advised as soon as possible after the closing date and interviews are likely to be held on Friday 9 May 2025.

Please advise us of any special requirements you may have if you are called for an interview. If your special requirements mean that you need to submit this application in a different format, please contact us.

Candidates may be contacted or invited to interview prior to the closing date, and we may close this vacancy early if suitable candidates apply. Therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Closing date: midday, 28 April 2025.

Interview date: 9 May 2025.

Please Note:

Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the job, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

About The Team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

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