Learning Support Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne

Your Role

We are looking for someone who has a passion for working with young people and supporting those who have additional needs. The SEND department is on an exciting journey as it grows considerably over the next couple of years alongside the school's expansion. This is your chance to be part of a team of specialists and to shape the vision of the department. We are developing a strong team of practitioners at Great Park Academy who are versatile and keen to be involved in many aspects of school life, particularly during the coming years while the school is growing. You will be an important part of our growing school and will be a consummate professional, practical and 'hands-on'; able to enthuse and motivate colleagues and students alike.

This is a unique chance for someone looking to develop in an educational setting within a highly successful and supportive school and multi-academy trust, backed up by excellent resources and facilities.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Strong communication and organisational skills
• A good level of education, including English and Maths
• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils and staff
• Patience, empathy and a commitment to inclusion
• A proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to work as part of a team
• An interest in supporting students with additional needs, including SEND

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• A competitive salary - as an accredited Living Wage Employer, you're guaranteed a wage that meets, and often exceeds, the real cost of living.
• Benefits including; excellent pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking
• An opportunity to work with highly-skilled professionals
• Enthusiastic and motivated students
• An exciting and extensive commitment to professional development
• A school with its community at heart
• Wider career development opportunities to be involved across the Gosforth Group

The Trust is committed to equality, inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Skills, Abilities, Skills and Knowledge

• Able to work under own initiative (essential)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (essential)
• Ability to plan own workload and meet deadlines (essential)
• Ability to motivate students (essential)
• Ability to form effective professional relationships with a wide range of contacts (essential)
• Ability to advise and monitor development and performance (essential)

Experience

• Ability to respond positively and effectively to unexpected problems and situations
• Experience of providing learning support to students

Personal Attributes

• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with students (essential)
• Empathy for children and young people facing barriers to their learning (essential)

Safeguarding Information

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. This means certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide and you can view our Policy on the Employment of Ex-offenders on our website within Trust Policies.

Gosforth Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. References will be requested prior to interview for those candidates shortlisted. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, along with other relevant pre-employment checks.