Flexi Support Staff - Part-time - Special Needs Position

Woodpecker Court, Dover

• Ref:KCC886-7916-38S
• Posted:10/11/2025
• Pay:Kent Scheme - KS C: £25,762 FTE
• Start Date:January 2026
• App Close Date:28/11/2025 at 18:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Woodpecker Court, an Ofsted Outstanding Specialist Post-16 Provider, is seeking Flexi Support Staff to join our inclusive community supporting young people aged 16–24  who thrive outside mainstream education. Our holistic approach blends academic learning with practical experiences in a peaceful countryside setting, helping students build confidence, resilience, and ambition. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a real impact and difference. You will support students in classrooms, on our farm, in workshops and helping them develop essential life skills.

 Responsibilities include:

• Delivering pre-prepared lessons and supporting learning
• Providing emotional and academic support for students with SEMH and SEND
• Assisting in the care of domestic and farm animals
• Supporting pastoral needs and promoting our core values: Relationships, Respect, Resilience, underpinned by Routine

The hours are averaged at 28.49 per week, 8:45am–2:30pm (Mon–Fri), with alternate Tuesdays until 4:30pm The role is term time plus 5 staff development days (39 weeks/year) and the salary is Kent Scheme KS C - £21,788.94 per annum (pro rata of £25,762.00 FTE.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience in education, support work, or animal care is desirable but not essential—we value transferable skills and a willingness to learn.
• Strong communication, listening, and observation skills
• Ability to engage and motivate others
• Behaviour management skills and empathy
• Adaptability and resilience
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and school policies

 Desirable (Not Essential)

• Teaching/support qualifications
• GCSEs (Grade C/4+) in English and Maths
• Experience with pastoral care and challenging behaviour
• Knowledge of health & safety in animal care

What Woodpecker Court can offer:

Woodpecker Court offers a unique setting with woodlands, a working farm, workshops, and outdoor classrooms. Our curriculum blends hands-on experiences with academic learning, fostering a strong community ethos. Staff benefit from a supportive, values-driven team and access to a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

We are committed to safeguarding and follow safer recruitment practices in line with KCSIE 2025 our Child Protection Policy is available on our website www.woodpeckercourt.co.uk. This role requires an enhanced DBS check, two satisfactory references, verification of identity, qualifications, and right to work in the UK. Employment gaps will be explored, and a criminal record self-declaration is required. Online checks will be conducted for shortlisted candidates.

Become part of a team where relationships, respect, and resilience shape everything we do. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and foster an inclusive environment. To apply, complete and return the application form to Dawn Fisher at personnel@woodpeckercourt.com. CVs alone will not be accepted. We may close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient qualified applications.

Information about the school

Woodpecker Court is a specialist education provider with designated Post-16 status, proudly rated Outstanding by Ofsted. We offer a distinctive and inspiring educational environment for young people aged 16–24 who flourish outside of mainstream education.

Our holistic approach integrates academic learning with practical, hands-on experiences in a safe and tranquil countryside setting. We are committed to nurturing each student as an individual, tailoring our support to meet diverse needs and fostering personal growth, resilience, and ambition.

Located in a rural area, Woodpecker Court provides a calm, secure, and welcoming atmosphere where students and staff work together to maintain a strong sense of community. We believe that every learner deserves a personalised pathway to success, and we adapt our practices to ensure each student is equipped with the skills and confidence needed to sustain their onward destination beyond education. Curriculum Offer

Our Post-16 curriculum includes vocational courses in Occupational Studies, Land-Based Studies, Animal Care, Animal Management, Catering and Hair & Beauty.

These are delivered alongside core subjects such as Functional Skills in English, Maths, and Digital Skills, as well as PSHE and Preparation for Adulthood (PFA).

Woodpecker Court’s unique setting features extensive woodlands, a working farm, workshops, and outdoor classrooms that enrich the educational experience. Our curriculum is designed to blend practical learning with academic development, underpinned by a strong community ethos and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

We are dedicated to helping every student realise their full potential and transition into fulfilling, independent futures.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Dawn Fisher
• Address:45 Wigmore Lane, Eythorne, Dover, Kent, CT15 4BF
• Telephone: 01304 830958
• Email: personnel@woodpeckercourt.com

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Privacy Notice for Job Applicants
• Job Description