At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a positive learning environment.
- Company: Ark Elvin Academy, a vibrant secondary school in Brent, London.
- Benefits: Higher salaries, generous pension, gym discounts, and access to employee support programmes.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them thrive academically.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, organised, and committed to supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 43000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and caring Learning Support Assistant to work closely with the SENCO and teaching staff to provide tailored support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The successful candidate will support students both one-to-one and within classroom settings, helping them to access learning and achieve their full potential. The ideal candidate will be compassionate, organised, and committed to supporting young people in a positive learning environment.
We are a large non-selective secondary school in the London borough of Brent, with excellent transport links to central London. We are proud of the excellent education we offer each of our pupils. Our team of enthusiastic, high expectations staff have transformed our school and we are just as excited about the next step in our school improvement journey, as we work together to deliver the outstanding education our community need and deserve.
We are deeply committed to our mission: "To ensure that every pupil leaves Elvin confident, articulate, and culturally aware; able to pursue careers they are passionate about, contribute to society and live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives." Here at Ark Elvin, we understand that being a teacher is tough and we are committed to working together to help reduce workload where possible. This includes clarity around roles and responsibilities allowing you to plan daily, weekly and termly tasks, reducing ineffective or inefficient work such as report writing and parents' evenings and above all, listening to and acting on feedback.
We are also committed to ensuring teachers can focus on teaching and have the opportunity to refine and develop their practice in the classroom and develop their leadership skills. You will also become part of a close-knit professional community of enthusiastic colleagues who benefit from the training, guidance, and support from the Ark network, one of the country's top performing school groups. Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.
- Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
- Twice as many training days as standard.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Access to Ark rewards - a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
- Interest‑free loans - up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
- Gym discounts - offering up to 40%.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme - providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.
Learning Support Assistant — Empower Students to Thrive employer: Ark Schools
At Ark Elvin Academy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for our Learning Support Assistants. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including higher-than-average salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a focus on employee well-being, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students in the vibrant London borough of Brent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant — Empower Students to Thrive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Learning Support Assistants and ask them about their experiences. They might have insider tips or even know about job openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how you can showcase your compassion and organisational skills, as these are key for this role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting students with special educational needs. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping young people thrive. This will make you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Ark Elvin Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant — Empower Students to Thrive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through. We want to see how much you care about helping young people thrive and how you can contribute to our positive learning environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for candidates who can connect with pupils with special educational needs, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion and qualifications are easy to understand. This will help us see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Schools
✨Know Your SEN
Familiarise yourself with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. Understand the different types of support that can be provided and think about how you can tailor your approach to meet individual student needs. This will show your commitment and understanding during the interview.
✨Show Your Compassion
Prepare examples that highlight your caring nature and ability to connect with students. Think of specific situations where you've supported someone in need, whether in a professional or personal context. This will demonstrate your suitability for a role that requires empathy and patience.
✨Be Organised
Bring along any relevant documents, such as your CV and references, neatly organised. Also, prepare questions about the school's approach to supporting students with SEN. This shows that you are proactive and serious about the role, which is key for a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working closely with the SENCO and teaching staff, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team to achieve common goals, as this is crucial in a school setting.
