Science Technician
Melrose School, Mitcham/ Raynes Park, Surrey, CR4 3BE17 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
29 June 2026 at 9am
Date listed
12 June 2026
Job details
Job role
- HLTA (higher level teaching assistant)
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: Monday to Frinday 35 hours a week
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- ME6
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for a Science Technician who understands that a “failed experiment” is often the start of something brilliant — not just in the beaker, but in a young person’s confidence.
Our students have faced challenges that make traditional classrooms feel like a minefield. Your role is to help make the Science lab a sanctuary of curiosity, calm and connection. You’ll support small groups, helping them engage in practical learning without feeling overwhelmed, and celebrating every ‘lightbulb moment’ along the way.
The role:
- Supporting the Science Teacher in delivering Science, including GCSE or Functional Skills pathways.
- Preparing and organising equipment for practical lessons, ensuring the lab is safe, calm and ready to learn.
- Providing in‑class support to pupils with diverse EHCPs, helping them access learning at their own pace.
- Using trauma‑informed approaches to de‑escalate behaviour, build trust and create predictable routines.
- Encouraging hands‑on learning while helping pupils stay regulated and confident.
- Working closely with therapists and support staff to ensure emotional needs are met alongside academic goals.
- Maintaining resources, stock and basic lab organisation to keep the department running smoothly.
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist (though it helps if you know how they work). What you do need is patience, resilience and a warm heart. Someone who doesn’t give up when a pupil is having a tough day.
What the school offers its staff
We offer:
- A unique, dynamic and forward‑thinking school with supportive colleagues.
- Opportunities to work across an expanding provision with close inter‑campus collaboration.
- Small class sizes and time for high‑quality preparation.
- A well‑resourced Science department.
- Excellent professional development opportunities.
- The autonomy to think creatively and support innovative practical learning.
- Onsite gym.
- Onsite parking and good local transport links.
- A staff team with a warm, open and supportive ethos.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Melrose School
- School type
- Special school, ages 5 to 16
- School size
- 128 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 5 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Melrose School website
- Email address
- lpattenden@melbury.merton.sch.uk
At Melrose, we cater for pupils with social, emotional, mental health needs and many have additional challenges and diagnoses and present with difficulties in social communication and emotional regulation. We pride ourselves on the specialist support and nurturing environment we offer which enables pupils to access tailored support and learning so that each young person is able to engage positively in education and fulfil their potential.
Within our Primary provision, we have four mixed-aged classes. Each class has a teacher and two teaching assistants with class sizes of around six pupils. All pupils access the National Curriculum which is adapted and delivered creatively to support learner engagement. Specialist SALT and OT provision is integrated into the primary curriculum. In Year 7, we run a ‘nurture class’ which bridges the transition from primary into secondary education. This runs similar to a primary model where pupils are taught for the majority of the school day by one teacher in their classroom with some specialist teaching throughout the week. From Year 8 onwards, pupils work in tutor groups and access specialist teacher across the week, moving around the school. Class sizes in Secondary are around six pupils with a teaching assistant supporting each lesson. At Secondary, pupils access a GCSE pathway which is supported with a vocational offer at Key Stage 4. Across the school we provide ‘Social Development Opportunities’ which offer structured enrichment activities to develop skills such as teamwork and resilience. The work across our school is underpinned by our trauma-informed practices.
We welcome all prospective candidates for a telephone call or visit where you can find more information about our school.
Melrose School- Nurturing Success
Arranging a visit to Melrose School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email lpattenden@melbury.merton.sch.uk.
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Wrap Around Care Manager & Extended Provision Designated Safeguarding Lead
St Michael's CofE Primary School
Granville Road, London, SW18 5SQ
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed
Find more school jobs in Surrey