At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils in the classroom and create a positive learning environment.
- Company: Join the outstanding team at Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School.
- Benefits: Pension scheme, training support, wellbeing initiatives, and discounts.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with excellent professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives every day.
- Qualifications: No prior school experience required; just a caring attitude.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Make a difference every day - join our fantastic team at Halfpenny Lane! A rewarding role at the heart of our school community. We’re looking for a caring and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to support pupils in the classroom and help create a positive learning environment. Whether you’re new to working in education or looking for a fresh start, we’ll support you every step of the way with full training and support - no school experience required.
What you’ll do:
- Support pupils individually or in small groups
- Assist teachers with learning activities, interventions and classroom tasks
- Encourage positive pupil behaviour and active engagement in lessons
- Support pupil’s wellbeing and promote inclusion across the school
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with children, is patient and supportive, and wants to contribute to an inspiring and nurturing school environment. A role where you can truly make a difference. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a compassionate and dedicated team who work together to ensure that learning is engaging and rewarding for all pupils. If you are enthusiastic, reliable and committed to helping pupils achieve their best, we would love to hear from you.
Contract details:
- 12 months fixed term contract with an end date of 22 July 2027
- 27.5 hours per week
- Term time plus 2 days (192 working days per year)
- Monday - Friday to be worked between the hours of 8:30 to 3:30 final times to be discussed at interview.
What can we offer you?
- Pension scheme: Access to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with a generous employer contribution.
- Training and development: Supportive on‑job training and opportunities to develop your skills and confidence working with children.
- Wellbeing support: Free flu vaccinations, free eye care via Specsavers, and access to a wellbeing package offering physiotherapy and support for health, finance and personal matters.
- Family friendly policies: Policies designed to support work–life balance, including flexible approaches to term‑time working.
- Cycle to Work scheme: Savings on a bike and accessories while promoting a healthy, greener commute.
- Discounts and rewards: Access to discounts including Blue Light Card, gym memberships and major retailers.
You can find more information about staff benefits and what it’s like to work with us in the 'Working for Us' booklet and on our website.
About Pontefract Academies Trust
Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross‑phase multi‑academy trust comprising of nine local schools: seven primary and two secondary, committed to providing the very best education for our children. We are also excited to be merging with Ark Schools on 1 September 2026. This partnership will strengthen the support we offer our pupils and staff, while creating new opportunities for collaboration and professional development across both trusts.
We are proud of the positive culture across our schools. In the 2025 Edurio Staff Survey, we were ranked in the top 10 trusts nationally for staff satisfaction and received several awards recognising our supportive and values driven working environment. Our staff tell us they feel valued, listened to and part of a team that makes a real difference every day. We’re excited for the future and hope you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.
Learning Support Assistant — Nurturing School Impact in Wakefield employer: Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School
At Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where every staff member is valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a strong commitment to professional development, our team enjoys comprehensive training, wellbeing support, and family-friendly policies that promote a healthy work-life balance. Join us in a rewarding role where you can truly contribute to the success and happiness of our pupils in an outstanding school community.
Contact Details:
Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant — Nurturing School Impact in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, check out Halfpenny Lane's website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent achievements. This will help you connect your passion for education with what they stand for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about how you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and support for pupils during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've helped others in the past, even if it's not in a school setting. We want to see your caring side!
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! Show your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the role and the school community. This not only shows you're keen but also helps you figure out if this is the right fit for you. Remember, it’s a two-way street!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the fantastic benefits we offer. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant — Nurturing School Impact in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're filling out your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Whether it's patience, supportiveness, or teamwork, we want to know how you fit into our nurturing environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your answers are easy to read and understand. This helps us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly, and we can’t wait to hear from you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Halfpenny Lane and its values. Understanding their commitment to creating a nurturing environment will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their learning. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re not from a formal education setting, to demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle challenging behaviour or promote positive engagement in lessons. Think of specific examples or strategies you could use to encourage pupils and create an inclusive atmosphere.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training and support available for new staff or how the school fosters a collaborative environment. This shows your genuine interest in being part of their team.
