There’s more to Priory Group than specialist hospitals and clinics.

It is also the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education services. With 26 schools and colleges across the country, the group has a reputation for offering flexible and innovative services that help young people re-engage with education within a safe, positive and nurturing environment. It’s a formula that explains the why the group’s education business continues to grow so rapidly – and nowhere more so than in southern England. As a result, the group is actively looking for new people to work at its Coxlease and Clay Hill Children’s Homes and Fernlea facility in Southampton and the heart of the New Forest.

“This is a chance for local people to share in our success,” says Karen Gaster, the Principal for all three locations. “By joining our team as Support Workers, they will also play an important role in creating a warm, welcoming, relaxed yet structured environment for all the young people in our care.”

Coxlease School and children’s homes offer education care, therapy, welfare and support for boys and girls aged 9 to 19 with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. The school provides highly effective education, care, therapy, welfare and support for young people who may have experienced trauma, inconsistent and confusing care and emotional rejection. A strong emphasis on personal development and integration into the community is at the heart of all its activities.

Clay Hill School and children’s home sits right next door to Coxlease School and is due to open next month. It is a 52-week residential facility for up to 25 young people aged 5 to 19 with severe to mild autism and associated learning difficulties. The school’s service includes a day school and three separate residential houses, each designed to be comfortable and homely in ways that reflect ordinary domestic-style living.

And finally, Fernlea in nearby Brockenhurst is a specialist residential facility for adults aged 16 to 25 who have autistic spectrum disorder including Asperger’s Syndrome. Fernlea aims to enable these young adults to live as independently as possible and to make their own choices as they develop and grow in confidence. This includes supporting them in work placements and encouraging them to engage with the local community.

In line with the wider Priory Education philosophy, teams at all three locations work hard to give every young person seamless access to the specialist services and support they need. The overall aim is to reintegrate the young people in their care back into mainstream school or college, and to help them live as independently as possible in adult life. There is a high staff to student ratio and the young people have access to a raft of individual and group therapies including psychiatry, psychotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.

“It’s all about providing young people with the education, care and life skills they need as they progress towards more independent living,” says Karen Gaster. “If you love working with children and want to make a difference, you will fit in perfectly.”

If Karen is passionate about harnessing the potential of young people, she is equally passionate about developing the skills of everyone on her team. “We invest heavily in training and development at Priory, and we try to promote from within wherever possible,” she says. “You will be part of a really positive and professional working environment where you can use your initiative and build on your knowledge and expertise.”

In fact, investing in and developing its people is central to Priory’s vision and values. The senior leadership team believe strongly that a well-trained workforce forms the essential link between education and clinical outcomes on the one hand, and operational performance on the other. It drives sustainability and therefore the future of an organisation that now employs over 12,000 people in over 275 hospitals, schools and care homes throughout the United Kingdom and Scotland. The new Support Worker roles are all full-time positions, although Priory will be as flexible as possible to attract and keep the right candidates. The company is also committed to providing a good work-life balance and promotes from within wherever possible. While no formal qualification are required, the role does call for some strong personal qualities, says Karen Gaster.

“Patience and good communication skills are essential, and you must work well as part of a highly supportive team. As long as you have these, our training will do the rest.”

For more information, visit www.priorygroup.com