The posting
Grade 1 - £25,614 FTE (£19,941.13 Actual) Post: Swimming Assistant
Salary: Grade 1 - £24,413 - £24,796 FTE (£19,006.12 - £19,304.30 Actual) Pay award pending Autumn 2026
Allowances: SEN allowance £1,779 pro rata
Hours of work: 8:50am – 3:50pm, 32.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday, term time only.
Contract type: Permanent
Start date of role: As soon as possible
Closing date: Midnight on 4th October 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
Enhanced DBS Check Required: Yes
EIAT is a thriving Multi Academy Trust in North Birmingham incorporating Wilson Stuart School, Mayfield School, Queensbury School, The Hive College, Lime Tree Nursery and Blue Sky Nursery. We strive to share best practice and work in cohesive, collaborative and innovative ways. Our ethos is 'Better Never Ends'.
About the School
Wilson Stuart School is an Ofsted designated outstanding all age (2 – 25 years) Special School which provides very high-quality education for 288 pupils and young people who have physical, intellectual disabilities and/or complex needs.
As a Trust we truly value the success of every child and we place the sharing of excellent education practice at the core of this value. Professional development, challenge and support are at the heart of ensuring our staff are some of the finest teachers so they can deliver outstanding teaching.
We benefit significantly from the variety of schools within the Trust, enabling staff to benefit greatly from the opportunities we have for collaborative working. in addition, we are able to benefit tremendously from sharing best practice and expertise we have within our organisation.
Wilson Stuart School have achieved an Outstanding grade in their last 7 Ofsted inspections, the latest of which was December 2024 where we continued to maintain the standards identified at previous inspections.
We recognise the importance of teamwork, and this is evident through all aspects of the work we do. Our students are delightful, work hard and are keen to learn and the school is a very happy and positive working environment. We have a comprehensive induction programme, friendly and very supportive staff along with excellent facilities and a superb environment to support teaching and learning. Wilson Stuart School is not just a special school – it is an exceptional school!
About the role:
We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Swimming Assistant to join our team. You will play an important role in supporting pupils to participate in swimming sessions, helping them to develop their confidence, independence and enjoyment in the water, while ensuring their individual needs are supported.
This is an active, practical role which involves spending a significant amount of time in and around the swimming pool. You will work closely with our swimming team to provide a safe, positive and inclusive environment where every pupil is encouraged and supported to participate and achieve.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting and encouraging pupils to develop their confidence, independence and enjoyment in the water
- Working alongside our swimming team to meet the individual needs of our pupils
- Supporting pupils to participate safely and positively in swimming sessions
- Being a positive and encouraging role model, celebrating pupils' individual progress and achievements
- Assisting pupils with their physical and personal care needs, including dressing and undressing before and after swimming sessions
- Supporting with the moving, handling and positioning of pupils, following appropriate training and individual pupil guidance
- Helping to maintain a safe, supportive and inclusive environment in and around the swimming pool
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure every pupil has the opportunity to participate and achieve
Essential requirements of the role:
You will need to be confident and comfortable in the water and able to meet the practical swimming and water safety requirements of the role.
The successful candidate will be required to undertake the relevant NRASTC Light qualification and ongoing competency checks. This includes being able to:
- Swim 50 metres
- Climb out of the swimming pool independently
- Surface dive to the deepest part of our pool, which is 1.82 metres
- Demonstrate and maintain the practical water-based skills required for the role
Providing personal care is an essential part of this position, and applicants must be willing and able to support pupils with their changing and personal care needs.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is confident and comfortable in the water and enjoys swimming
- Is able to meet the physical and practical requirements of working within a swimming pool environment
- Is caring, patient and encouraging in their approach
- Is willing and able to provide pupils with personal care and changing support
- Has a positive attitude and can build good relationships with pupils
- Is committed to supporting pupils to develop their confidence and independence
- Has good communication skills and works well with colleagues
- Understands the importance of maintaining pupils' dignity, safety and wellbeing
- Is committed to making a positive difference to our pupils every day
- Works well as part of a supportive and dedicated team
Join us at Wilson Stuart School and become part of a team that supports every pupil to participate, achieve and thrive through care, encouragement and commitment.
If you are determined, hardworking and think that working at our Trust might be for you, then we would love to hear from you.
If you would like to arrange an informal visit or discuss the role, please contact Wilson Stuart School at [email protected]
