Learning Support Assistants - Heatherwood School

Hours and Salary: Grade 5 NJC04 – NJC06 (FTE £25,185 - £25,989 – Actual £18,653.00 - £19,248.00) Part‑time 31.25 hours per week (8:45 – 15:30 Mon‑Fri) (minus 30 minutes for lunch break).

School and Location: Heatherwood School, Leger Way, Doncaster, DN2 6HQ.

Contract type: Part‑time permanent, term‑time only plus 5 training days.

About our School: Heatherwood School is a vibrant learning community and part of Nexus Multi Academy Trust. It is a special day school for pupils aged 3‑19 years with severe, profound and/or multiple learning difficulties. There is an additional post‑16 provision for pupils with moderate learning needs; a small cohort are educated at The Bridge, our off‑site provision. We seek to develop a better tomorrow for all learners, through a holistic blend of quality first teaching experiences; celebrating pupils’ strengths along a highly personalised learning journey. We are committed to preparing our pupils for adulthood through the provision of outstanding levels of education and care, facilitating innovative opportunities and experiences to engage and motivate all pupils. Heatherwood School is dedicated to multi‑disciplinary team working, in partnership with parents and carers, to ensure all pupils develop appropriate skills for life and achieve their full potential. This is an opportunity to work with amazing children and young people and make a difference. You can help change perceptions and attitudes around special educational needs and neurodiversity. Become a child’s champion and make memories that will last.

About the Trust: This is an exciting opportunity to join an award‑winning Multi Academy Trust and be part of a welcoming and supportive team that serves amazing children and young people. Nexus Multi Academy Trust was founded in 2016, with 17 unique SEND and mainstream academies. We are a growing, forward‑thinking and innovative Trust with a shared ethos, vision and values for a personalised child‑centred approach. We are committed and invested in “Learning together, to be the best we can be” and it is as relatable to every employee and partner of our Trust as it is to our children, young adults and their families.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide support to pupils in whole class lessons, group work and one‑to‑one sessions.
• Safeguard the safety of children and young people, including personal care and hygiene needs such as toileting and nappy changing.
• Respond to emotional, social and mental health needs of pupils and promote a positive culture.
• Make judgements on attainment and progress, celebrating successes.
• Collaborate with a committed staff team motivated by improving the life chances of students.
• Work within a multi‑disciplinary team, supporting individual needs and facilitating access to learning.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Highly motivated, enthusiastic, hardworking and flexible support with experience as a Learning Support Assistant in mainstream or specialist settings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of SEN is advantageous.
• Ability to respond to emotional, social and mental health needs.
• Capacity to ensure safety and manage personal care and hygiene requirements.
• Experience working with children and young people, preferably with SEND.

Benefits:

• A supportive and friendly learning environment.
• Professional development and tailored CPD opportunities.
• A collaborative multi‑disciplinary culture with mentoring and coaching.
• Part of an award‑winning MAT with friendly and supportive academies.
• A dedicated team and supportive community of parents, carers and governors.
• An opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, young people and the community.

Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. Nexus Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.