Learning Support Assistant
Ref: SCH-PLT-0036Additional Information
Contract Type: Fixed Term (31/08/2024) Contract Term: TTO Plus - Term time only plus weeks Hours per Week: 33.50 Weeks per Year: 38.000 Pay Grade: N4 SCP7-9The Role
33.5 hrs per week, term time plus 5 training days, to be class based as directed by the Headteacher. Pro-rata salary £18,887- £19,528 (£12.59 to 13.02 per hour)
Harry Watts Academy is a specialist free school in Sunderland opened in September 2020 for autistic pupils aged between five and sixteen years. We pride ourselves on having a shared belief that all children have a right to the best education that can be provided and a learning and working environment where all are respected, valued and achievements celebrated.
Harry Watts Academy is a split site school, with locations in both Sunderland (Redhouse) and Washington (Harraton). Currently, our Engage and Explore pathways are based at Redhouse and our Discover pathway is based at Harraton. You will therefore be willing to support the teaching and learning of pupils on any of our three pathways on either of our sites.
We are looking to appoint Learning Support Assistants with experience and/or interest in supporting the teaching and learning of our pupils. All pupils have an Autism diagnosis and associated difficulties. We value high standards of achievement for all of our pupils and we are looking to appoint excellent Learning Support Assistants to join the team, who will make a positive contribution to the education of our fantastic pupils at Harry Watts Academy.
Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 with Newcastle Bridges School and Mary Astell Academy. Thomas Bewick School joined in 2019, and Harry Watts opened in September 2020 and Gilbert Ward Academy opened in September 2023. We are striving to further build collaboration across the schools and grow as a Multi Academy Trust, whilst continuing to strengthen our relationships with schools outside the MAT for the benefit of our pupils.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Louise Hindmarch, Headteacher on 0191 5623003
The post is suitable for experienced Special Needs Assistants.
To learn more about Harry Watts Academy and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk
The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Harry Watts Academy but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site should the need arise.
The Trust is proud to say that we match the Real Living Wage and we also offer successful candidates:
· A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
· Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust wide CPD programmes
· Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
· Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme
Full details can be found on https://www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/121/why-work-for-us
Please note that all successful candidates will be required to complete an online pre-employment medical questionnaire.
Qualifications
| Qualification Title | Grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant, Special Needs Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification OR Level 3 (or higher) qualification in any field with experience of working in a classroom |
Essential
|
|
| A willingness to undertake further professional development and training |
Desirable
|
Skills
| Abilities, Skills and Knowledge | |
|---|---|
| Excellent Classroom Practitioner |
Essential
|
| Understanding of the curriculum guidance of the National Curriculum. |
Desirable
|
| Ability to provide care and welfare to pupils including the administration of medication (when trained and competency achieved), toilet and other care needs. |
Essential
|
| A clear understanding of the Special Needs Assistant's role |
Essential
|
| Good verbal and written communication skills. |
Essential
|
| An understanding of assessment, recording and reporting processes. |
Essential
|
| A clear vision of how the role can be used to ensure pupil progression and effective delivery of their learning |
Essential
|
| Ability to support the teaching of pupils with learning difficulties |
Essential
|
| Special Requirements | |
| Prepared to undertake ongoing professional development. |
Essential
|
| Willingness to participate in out of school activities. |
Essential
|
| Relevant Experience | |
| Experience of supporting pupils with autism. |
Desirable
|
| Qualifications | |
| MIDAS |
Desirable
|
| Level 2 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant, Special Needs Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification OR Level 3 (or higher) qualification in any field with experience of working in a classroom. |
Essential
|
| Further professional development in special educational needs. |
Desirable
|
| Experience | |
| Experience of assisting in the teaching of National Curriculum to pupils with learning difficulties. |
Essential
|
| Relevant Skills | |
| Clean current driving licence |
Desirable
|
| Personal Attributes | |
| Ability to find creative answers to problems. |
Desirable
|
| Ability to manage change and prioritise competing deadlines |
Essential
|
| Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people with learning difficulties. |
Essential
|
| Experience/Knowledge | |
| An understanding of the educational environment and teaching of pupils with learning difficulties. |
Essential
|
| Ability to demonstrate good contribution to assisting teaching in present school. |
Essential
|
Related Documents
Safeguarding Information
Prosper Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as well as vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to apply for Disclosure from the DBS.
The Trust actively promotes equality of opportunity with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and welcomes applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. The Trust selects all candidates for employment based on their skills, qualifications and experience, in comparison against the person specification.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If you are invited for interview, you will be required to disclose convictions that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. Certain spent convictions and cautions will be ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed. Full details on protected convictions and information about which convictions must be declared during job applications can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. You will be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure and Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed. This role will include Regulated Activities and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure is required for this post. Please note that in all cases written references will be taken up and made available to interviewers before the final selection stage; even if you indicate otherwise.
Online vetting checks will be carried out for candidates who are shortlisted.
Harry Watts Academy
Ramillies Road
Sunderland
Sunderland
SR5 5JA
Louise Hindmarch
admin@harrywattsacademy.co.uk