1:1 Support Staff (Communication) - Part-time

Woodpecker Court, Dover

• Ref:KCC886-7916-46S
• Posted:17/06/2026
• Pay:Kent Scheme - KS D: £26,436.80 FTE
• Start Date:Sept 2026
• App Close Date:01/07/2026 at 18:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

1:1 Support Staff (Communication)

Are you passionate about making a difference in a young person’s life?
Woodpecker Court is seeking a dedicated and nurturing 1:1 Support Staff member (Communication) to support a student with complex communication needs to access learning, build independence, and feel fully included.

About the Role

This is a rewarding, hands-on role where you will work closely with one student, supporting their education, communication, and personal development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide personalised 1:1 educational and emotional support
• Adapt learning and use sensory approaches to engage the student
• Support communication using tools such as Grid or Widget
• Encourage independence and positive behaviour through routines
• Work alongside tutors, SENCO, therapists, and professionals
• Record observations and support progress reviews

To succeed in this role, you will:

• Have experience with children or young people with additional communication/SEN needs
• Be confident using or willing to learn communication tools
• Show patience, empathy, and resilience
• Understand sensory and communication needs
• Communicate effectively and build strong relationships
• Be adaptable, proactive, and calm under pressure
• Work well independently and as part of a team
• Support behaviour positively and consistently
• Be organised and able to record progress
• Be committed to safeguarding and inclusion

Hours and Salary

The role is 28.49 hours per week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:45am–2:30pm, and Tuesday 8:45am–4:30pm for staff meetings and training. It is term time plus 5 staff development days (39 weeks per year). The salary is £26,436.80 FTE (Kent Scheme KS D), with an actual salary of £16,343.39 per annum pro rata.

Why Join Us?

Woodpecker Court offers a unique setting with woodland, a working farm, outdoor classrooms, and hands-on learning opportunities. Our curriculum blends practical experiences with academic learning, creating a strong sense of community. You will be joining a supportive, values-driven team and have access to a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and follow safer recruitment practices in line with KCSIE 2025. This role requires an enhanced DBS check, two satisfactory references, verification of identity, qualifications and right to work in the UK, exploration of employment gaps, a criminal record self-declaration, and online checks for shortlisted candidates. Our Child Protection Policy is available at www.woodpeckercourt.co.uk.

How to Apply

Please 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 sufficient applications are received.

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.

To learn more about Woodpecker Court please view our promotional video - https://www.woodpeckercourt.co.uk/promovideo

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.

• Job applicants privacy notice
• Job description