At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join the vibrant Harris Academy Riverside community dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: GCSEs or equivalent, understanding of social and emotional difficulties, and good communication skills.
Please make an application promptly if you are a good match for this role due to high levels of interest.
About Us
Harris Academy Riverside is a very popular non-selective and highly oversubscribed academy which opened as part of the Harris Federation and the regeneration of the Purfleet on Thames area in 2017. We serve our local community of Purfleet on Thames and West Thurrock and have 900 on roll in the secondary academy and around 200 students in the 6th form.
Vision
Harris Academy Riverside seeks to develop students who are successful, confident and happy, who inspire their community and who act with kindness and compassion towards others.
Ethos
In our procedures and daily routines, our broad and varied curriculum, our pedagogical model and through our commitment to providing experience of the wider world we aim to promote a strong sense of community and belonging, to provide a blend of high challenge and high support and to encourage the development of Outstanding habits of behaviour such as self-awareness, kindness, appreciation, humility, politeness, confident self-expression and self-presentation and Outstanding habits of learning such as determination, resilience, organisation, reading, studying and practice.
Summary
Inspire and transform learning with us at Harris Academy Riverside. We are currently looking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant to support children with SEND. The actual salary for this role will be £22,456.27 - £23,1 hours per week, 38 weeks per year.
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Attending to the child's personal needs and implementing related personal programmes, including social, health, physical hygiene and welfare matters.
- Working with the class teacher and Inclusion Manager to support the implementation of person centred planning and targets for SEND children.
- Liaising with appropriate external SEND or health professionals to ensure that advice on provision for individual SEND children is effectively implemented.
- Supervising and supporting SEND children ensuring their safety and access to learning.
- Establishing good relationships with all children, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs.
- Promoting the inclusion and acceptance of all children.
As part of making reasonable adjustments, it will sometimes be necessary to direct LSAs to support children's intimate care needs in line with the academy Intimate Care Policy and to maintain their health, safety and personal dignity.
Qualifications & Experience
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- Qualifications to GCSE Level standard or equivalent.
- Knowledge and understanding of pupils with social and emotional difficulties that may impact upon their behaviour.
- Ability to communicate effectively and clearly both verbally and in writing.
- Knowledge of Microsoft software.
- Some knowledge of some of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
Professional Development & Benefits
Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level. In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Next Steps
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date.
Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.
Learning Support Assistant in Chelmsford employer: Harris Academy Riverside
Harris Academy Riverside is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong emphasis on professional development, we offer extensive training programmes and career progression opportunities, ensuring our staff are well-equipped to inspire and transform the lives of our students. Located in the vibrant community of Purfleet on Thames, we pride ourselves on our collaborative culture and commitment to the wellbeing of both our employees and students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the academy! Research Harris Academy Riverside and understand its ethos and values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experiences align with the responsibilities of a Learning Support Assistant. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in supporting SEND children.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Harris Academy Riverside.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get familiar with Harris Academy Riverside. Understanding our vision and ethos will help you tailor your application to show how you can contribute to our community.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills in your application. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support children with SEND and how you embody the values we cherish, like kindness and resilience.
Follow the Job Pack:Download the Job Pack and refer to it while filling out your application. It contains essential details about the role and person specification that can guide you in showcasing your qualifications effectively.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible since we might interview candidates before the closing date. Plus, applying early gives you a better chance to stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Academy Riverside
✨Know the Academy's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to understand Harris Academy Riverside's vision and ethos. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to developing successful, confident, and happy students. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their community.
✨Showcase Your Experience with SEND
Be prepared to discuss your experience working with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Think of specific examples where you've supported these children, highlighting your ability to communicate effectively and adapt to their individual needs.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
As a Learning Support Assistant, soft skills like kindness, patience, and empathy are crucial. During the interview, share instances where you've demonstrated these qualities, especially in challenging situations. This will show that you can build strong relationships with students and support their learning effectively.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team you'll be working with, and the professional development opportunities available. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the academy is the right fit for you.
