At a Glance
- Tasks: Support secondary students with Special Educational Needs in a mainstream classroom.
- Company: The King Alfred Academy, committed to inclusion and student welfare.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, enhanced sick pay, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse community dedicated to celebrating inclusion and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Literacy and Numeracy, experience with secondary school children preferred.
The predicted salary is between 17742 - 18023 £ per year.
Location: The King Alfred Academy, 1300
Salary: £17,742 – £18,023 (actual salary) for 30 hours per week.
Contract type: Fixed-term contract until 31 August 2027, pending review of staffing establishment.
FTE/Hours: Various hours available, up to 30 hours per week (2 positions available).
Working weeks: Term Time Only.
Closing date: 28 June 2026.
Interview dates: 2 July 2026.
Proposed start date: 1 September 2026.
We are looking for 2 dedicated Learning Support Assistants to join our inclusion team. In this role, you will work directly with secondary‑age pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them overcome barriers to learning and thrive in a mainstream classroom environment.
About the role
- Work under the guidance of our teaching staff and SEND team leaders, balancing structured learning support with your own initiative to champion true classroom inclusion.
- Deliver tailored classroom support to individuals and small groups of SEND students, using differentiated materials to match their unique learning needs.
- Assist teachers with resource preparation, classroom displays, and student care (including health care needs where required).
- Keep accurate records of student work to provide constructive feedback, directly contributing to Student Profiles and PSPs.
- Implement agreed behaviour management procedures to encourage a safe, positive, and inclusive classroom culture.
- Strictly uphold school policies regarding child protection, student welfare, and strict confidentiality at all times.
About you
- GCSE Grade A*–C (or Level 2 equivalent) in both Literacy and Numeracy.
- Previous experience working with children of secondary school age, ideally within a school environment.
- A basic understanding of Child Protection procedures and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Basic ICT skills alongside excellent, highly effective communication and team‑working abilities.
- Emotional resilience when handling challenging behaviours or emotive situations, strong personal boundaries, and a highly flexible, motivated approach to team working.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme: generous employer contributions with a tax‑free death in service lump sum.
- Enhanced Sick Pay during illness or unexpected sickness‑related emergencies.
- Family‑friendly leave packages to support work‑life balance.
- Great team dynamics: collaborative professional community with senior leaders and colleagues.
- Central partnership support: access to high‑quality central services and specialist expertise.
- Continuous Service: full recognition of prior service for benefits, including job security and protection of employment rights.
- Exceptional CPD: dedicated budget and time for your professional development.
- Diversity & Inclusion: proactive commitment to creating a workspace where diversity is celebrated.
What to Do Next
To find out more about the role, please refer to the attached job description. Early applications are encouraged as the vacancy may be closed early.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equal opportunities and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
Safeguarding and Legal Obligations
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles across the trust have a varying level of responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice, with some roles holding significant responsibility and involving working with children on a daily basis in regulated activity. Regardless of the level of responsibility and involvement in each role, we expect all staff, visiting professionals and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Successful candidates will be required to provide a disclosure of any unspent convictions and cautions, as well as any spent convictions or cautions that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered) under the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). All appointments are subject to a comprehensive pre‑employment checking process. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (including a Children’s Barred List check), satisfactory references, medical fitness, Right to Work in the UK, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching/management check. In line with KCSIE guidance, we will also conduct online searches on all shortlisted candidates. Our full Recruitment and Selection policy is available on our website.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant Job profile employer: Astrea Academy Trust
The King Alfred Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With benefits such as a generous Local Government Pension Scheme, enhanced sick pay, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The academy's focus on continuous professional development ensures that all staff have access to high-quality training and resources, making it an ideal place for those passionate about supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
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