At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with diverse learning needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Whitehill Community Academy, part of the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust, focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like free counselling, Cycle to Work Scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, helping children thrive in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; passion for supporting children is key.
- Other info: Term time only role with a salary range of £17,743 - £18,024.
The predicted salary is between 17743 - 18024 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details:
- Application closing date: 09/06/2025
- Location: Halifax
- Salary Scale: 3 (Points 5 - 6)
- Actual Annual Salary: £17,743 - £18,024
- Package: 31.5 hours per week, Term time only plus 3 days (190 working days)
- Job category/type: Schools
Since becoming part of the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust, Whitehill Community Academy has been on a rapid journey of improvement. These transformational changes mean that it is an exciting time to join the academy. We are incredibly proud of our successes, and we are looking for the best people to work alongside our already committed team to continue our journey.
All these fantastic and exciting initiatives require the expertise and commitment of dedicated staff, and Whitehill Community Academy now wishes to appoint a Specialist Learning Support Assistant. This round of recruitment comes about due to the recent development of our specialist provision for children who require extra support.
In close collaboration with Calderdale Council, and building upon our strong foundations of inclusive practice, we have carefully created Evergreen - a specialist, nurturing, and inclusive environment designed to help children thrive. Evergreen represents a fresh, forward-thinking approach to education, ensuring that every child receives the tailored support they need to reach their full potential.
Our enhanced provision is designed to remove barriers to learning, build confidence, and celebrate individuality, all within a setting led by a team of highly experienced professionals. We are proud to introduce three specialised areas within Evergreen, each carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of our children:
- Yew – Play-Based Learning for Complex Needs: Dedicated to supporting children with complex learning needs who require a structured and supportive environment. Using a sensory curriculum and play-based provision, children will benefit from well-planned activities that promote independence and child-led learning.
- Laurel – A Nurturing and Sensory Approach: Created for children who are working significantly below age-related expectations and require a high level of support. With a high adult-to-pupil ratio, a hybrid sensory curriculum, and a nurturing environment, children will develop increasing independence while following an individualised learning plan tailored to their unique needs.
- Spruce – Supporting Emotional and Social Development: Designed for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs that create barriers to learning in a mainstream setting. Underpinned by the national curriculum, Spruce provides structured support, bespoke sensory interventions, and individualised learning plans to equip children with essential skills for recognising and managing behaviours.
Our goal is to support each child in developing the confidence and strategies needed to transition successfully back into mainstream education. This transition from our current Nurture and Oasis provisions to Evergreen marks a significant improvement in the level of support we can provide.
By enhancing our approach and expanding our specialist teams, we will ensure that every child will continue to receive the very best care and education in an environment tailored specifically to their needs.
What can we offer you?
- A proven Behaviour for Learning (BfL) system that ensures a calm learning environment.
- Full support from a dedicated team of senior leaders and a network of administration professionals across the Trust.
- A commitment to your ongoing professional development.
- A range of staff benefits, including free counselling service, Cycle to Work Scheme, Electric Car Scheme, reduced-cost health cover and access to the local government pension scheme.
Our vision is to deliver a world-class education to the pupils of Whitehill. If you would like to be part of our journey, we look forward to hearing from you.
Start Date: September 2025
Closing date: 8am, Monday 9 June 2025
Apply now! For further information on this role, the benefits of working for the trust and how to apply, visit our recruitment website: www.trinitymat.org/all-vacancies. Here you can also view our Staff Prospectus.
Trinity Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunities employer and want our staff profile to reflect the community we serve.
Specialist Learning Support Assistant - Whitehill Community Academy employer: Calderdale Council
Contact Detail:
Calderdale Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Learning Support Assistant - Whitehill Community Academy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the children in the Evergreen provision. Understanding the unique challenges faced by children with complex needs, emotional and social difficulties will help you demonstrate your commitment to their development during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the ethos of Whitehill Community Academy and the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust. Show that you align with their vision for inclusive education and are passionate about contributing to a nurturing environment for all students.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide insights into the academy's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with behaviour management strategies. Highlight any relevant training or techniques you've used in the past that align with the Behaviour for Learning system mentioned in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Learning Support Assistant - Whitehill Community Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements of the Specialist Learning Support Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children, particularly those with special educational needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to support diverse learning needs and create inclusive environments.
Showcase Your Commitment: Express your passion for education and commitment to supporting children's development in your application. Mention any relevant training or professional development you have undertaken that aligns with the values of Whitehill Community Academy.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Calderdale Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the specific needs of the Specialist Learning Support Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the Evergreen provision and how it supports children with diverse needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children who have complex learning needs or emotional challenges. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully supported their learning and development.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion
Highlight your understanding of inclusive education practices. Discuss how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment that celebrates individuality and promotes confidence among students.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the academy's approach to learning support, the Behaviour for Learning system, and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the academy's mission.