Learning Support Assistant
Ref: SCH-PLT-0070Additional Information
Contract Type: Permanent Contract Term: TTO - Term time only Hours per Week: 33.50 Weeks per Year: 39.000 Pay Grade: N4 (£12.59 - £13.02 per hour)The Role
Full Time (33.5 hours) / Part Time considered
Permanent (£12.59 - £13.02 per hour) Term Time plus 5 Training Days
FTE £24,294 - £25,119
Actual £18,887 - £19,528
Gilbert Ward Academy is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join our team. As a brand-new, state-of-the-art secondary age special school that opened its doors in September 2023, we are at the forefront of providing exceptional education for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Located in Blyth, Northumberland, our academy currently serves 32 pupils, with plans to expand our capacity to 80 pupils over the next two years. This expansion represents a unique chance for the successful candidate to play a crucial role in shaping our school’s provision and establishing a lasting legacy in the field of special education.
As a valued member of our team, you will work under the guidance of the class teacher and the leadership team to support the teaching and learning of our pupils. You will help them to overcome barriers to learning, develop their social and emotional skills, and achieve their full potential. You will also contribute to the development of a positive and inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all our pupils.
If you are ready to make a significant impact in the lives of our pupils and be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking community, we would love to hear from you. This is a chance to be at the heart of something truly special. Be part of our journey at Gilbert Ward Academy, where together, we can create a brighter future for our pupils.
To learn more about Gilbert Ward Academy and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit https://www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk
Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 with Newcastle Bridges School and Mary Astell Academy. Thomas Bewick School joined in 2019, 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.
The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Gilbert Ward 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.
Skills
| Abilities, Skills and Knowledge | |
|---|---|
| Excellent Classroom Practitioner |
Essential
|
| Understanding of the curriculum guidance of the National Curriculum. |
Desirable
|
| Ability to manage change and meet competing deadlines |
Essential
|
| Prepared to undertake ongoing professional development. |
Essential
|
| Willingness to participate in out of school activities. |
Essential
|
| Ability to provide care and welfare to pupils including the administration of medication (when trained and competency achieved), toilet and other care needs. |
Essential
|
| High expectations of pupil achievement. |
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
|
| A clear understanding of the Special Needs Assistant's role |
Essential
|
| Personal Attributes | |
| Ability to find creative answers to problems. |
Desirable
|
| Positive attitude to change |
Essential
|
| Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people with learning difficulties. |
Essential
|
| Excited by opportunities presented by the post. |
Essential
|
| Relevant Experience | |
| Experience of supporting pupils with autism. |
Desirable
|
| Qualifications | |
| Further professional development in special educational needs. |
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
|
| MIDAS |
Desirable
|
| Special Requirements | |
| Enhanced DBS checked to work with vulnerable children |
Essential
|
| Personal Qualities | |
| Calm, confident, and professional manner |
Essential
|
| Experience | |
| Experience of assisting in the teaching of National Curriculum to pupils with learning difficulties. |
Essential
|
| Experience/Knowledge | |
| Ability to demonstrate good contribution to assisting teaching in present school. |
Essential
|
| An understanding of the educational environment and teaching of pupils with learning difficulties. |
Essential
|
| Relevant Skills | |
| Clean current driving licence |
Desirable
|
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.
Gilbert Ward Academy
Princess Louise Site
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 2TS.
Barry Reed
admin@gilbertwardacademy.co.uk