At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers in delivering academic excellence and promote positive behaviour.
- Company: Join Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard, an outstanding primary academy with a collaborative ethos.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, free virtual GP service, and professional development.
- Other info: Fixed-term role until July 2026, with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, especially with SEN students, and a passion for helping children.
The predicted salary is between 18990 - 18990 £ per year.
Competitive salary with progression opportunities + Local Government Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.
Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard has a fantastic opportunity to appoint a Teaching Assistant to join and support our classes in our highly successful academy that opened in 2017. This role is ideal for those who genuinely have a passion for helping children within a primary setting and SEN.
What does the role involve?
The main aim of this role is to support our teachers to deliver academic excellence, day in, day out, with professionalism and enthusiasm. Each and every member of staff, regardless of their position or seniority, is expected to participate in the overall running of the school and to act as a positive role model for our students. In and out of the classroom you will encourage and promote positive behaviour and effectively manage any situation that threatens to impact on the progress of other students.
We are looking for someone who demonstrates the following:
- Have high expectations of teaching and learning
- To be a positive role model
- To contribute to the positive ethos of the school
- Be able to work collaboratively with a range of children and adults
- Be keen to develop as a professional
- Previous, recent experience in a similar education setting with SEN students
- Being independent and able to work under pressure
This is a fixed-term position until July 2026 working 32.5 hours per week, term time + 1 week inset. The actual salary is £18,990 (£25,136 full time equivalent). You will be starting at 8:30am and finishing at 3:30pm, Monday - Friday.
Working with us at Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard
Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard opened in September 2017, it has since grown to full capacity with children up to Year 6 as of September 2021. The academy is located in Ebbsfleet Garden City and features new facilities, including a nursery and a center for children with speech, communication, and language needs. The academy's core mission is to inspire children, deliver an inclusive education, create a safe and happy environment, and ensure all students feel valued. It focuses on challenging learning experiences to build resilient students and maintains a consistent approach to behaviour, safeguarding, and pastoral support. Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard received an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted in its November 2021 inspection, achieving the highest mark in all five areas: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Early Years Provision.
Applying for this Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor): charlotte.herberts@latrust.org.uk / 01634 412 245. To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity
Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.
Teaching Assistant employer: LeighAcademiesTrust
Leigh Academies Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment where the Student Wellbeing & Success Manager can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to student success, staff benefit from competitive salaries, progression opportunities, and a supportive community that values collaboration and empathy. Located in a vibrant area, this role provides unique advantages such as access to a local government pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the academy! Before your interview, check out Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard's website and social media. Familiarising yourself with their values and recent achievements will help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teaching and supporting children, especially those with SEN. Think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills and passion.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! During the interview, let your passion for education shine through. Talk about why you want to be a Teaching Assistant and how you can contribute to creating a positive learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your application via the online form. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, especially in a primary and SEN setting.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role at Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our mission of delivering an inclusive education and promoting positive behaviour.
Be Professional and Enthusiastic:Your written application should reflect professionalism and enthusiasm. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, as this will give us a glimpse of how you communicate in a classroom setting.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our online form! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at LeighAcademiesTrust
✨Know the Academy Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent achievements, especially their 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating. This will show your genuine interest in the academy and help you align your answers with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Education
As a Teaching Assistant, your passion for helping children is crucial. Be prepared to share specific examples from your previous experience where you've positively impacted students, particularly those with SEN. Highlighting your enthusiasm will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
The role requires working closely with teachers and other staff. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Discuss how you contributed to a positive learning environment and managed any challenges that arose, showcasing your ability to work under pressure.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the academy's approach to teaching, support for staff development, or how they foster a positive school culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
