At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace, a community-focused school dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a caring team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSEs or equivalent, understanding of social and emotional challenges, and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24060 - 24403 £ per year.
About Us
Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace (HPACR) is a two-form entry school situated in Penge, which is part of the London Borough of Bromley. HPACR is an inclusive academy and we want every one of our children, from Nursery to Year 6, to have a truly happy experience at school. We strive to ensure that every pupil feels valued and safe. The children's achievements are celebrated every day in their lessons and we are proud that they are kind, caring, self-assured and eager to learn. We believe that through expert teaching and support all children can achieve to a high standard. Ultimately, our aim is to make sure that our pupils leave us feeling that they have succeeded both academically and in the extracurricular aspects of school life. We want our pupils to be thoroughly prepared for the opportunities that secondary school will offer them. HPACR is very much a community school. We know that a close partnership with parents is vital if children are to learn and grow as individuals. We therefore do all we can to keep parents informed and involved in all aspects of school life.
Summary
Inspire and transform learning with us at Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace. We are currently looking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant to support children with SEND, on a fixed-term contract from September 2026 to August 2027. The actual salary for this role will be £24,060.29 - £24,403.33 (37.5 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 - London employer: Harris Federation
At Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and supportive community school located in the vibrant London Borough of Bromley. Our commitment to professional development ensures that as a Learning Support Assistant, you will receive top-quality training and mentoring, alongside a competitive benefits package that includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus and a Wellbeing Cash Plan. Join us in creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed academically and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant - London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace. Familiarise yourself with the environment and think about how you can contribute to the community. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect with the staff and students.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to supporting children with SEND. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills and how you’ve made a difference in similar roles. We want to see your passion and commitment!
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! During the interview, let your personality shine through. Show us your enthusiasm for working with children and how you can be a positive role model. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, don’t hesitate to send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that shows appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Pack:Before you dive into your application, make sure to download and read the Job Pack. It’s packed with all the details about the role and what we’re looking for, which will help you tailor your application to stand out.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for supporting children, especially those with SEND. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use simple language and structure your thoughts logically. This helps us understand your qualifications and how you fit into our community.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers website! It’s the only way we accept applications, and it ensures that your application gets to the right place quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the core values of Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace. They focus on inclusivity and creating a happy learning environment. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to discuss this during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving children with SEND. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported students or dealt with challenging behaviours. This will show your practical understanding of the role.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a Learning Support Assistant, effective communication is key. Be prepared to demonstrate how you can communicate clearly and compassionately with both children and parents. You might even want to practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms to showcase this skill.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the professional development opportunities available or how the school fosters collaboration among staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and commitment to growing within the academy.
