At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and assist students with special educational needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Addington School, an outstanding special school with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, free parking, and staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to professional development and inclusive education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with learning difficulties.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting children with special educational needs is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 17503 - 17781 £ per year.
Salary: £17,503 - £17,781 per annum plus £1,052 SEN Allowance per annum
Job type: Full Time, Permanent
Apply by: 27 March 2026
Job Overview:
30 hours per week, term time only plus 2 INSET days. Monday - 8.50 - 4.15, Tuesday to Friday 8.50 - 3.25.
Addington School is part of the Ascendancy Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust with deep community roots across the Berkshire area composed of a family of SEN schools all specialising in learning difficulties. Our main school site is located in Woodley, Reading and we also have a smaller Early Years Centre located in Farley Hill.
We can offer:
- The opportunity to work in a special school judged ‘outstanding’ with a highly experienced Senior Leadership Team
- An environment committed to staff development and growing leadership
- A school with a coaching and collaborative culture
- Membership of an inclusive learning community with SEND expertise
- A school where creativity and innovation is encouraged
- Local Government Pension Scheme, Free Car Parking, Staff Wellbeing Group, Flu Vaccinations, Access to Private Medical Scheme
Addington School offers an environment committed to staff development and a route into teaching for candidates looking for a stepping stone onto the SEND teacher ladder. Providing support to the Class Teacher, the role will involve assisting with the general management of pupils, preparing the classroom and setting out resources, supporting with pupils’ individual needs providing a bespoke environment for the children to learn. You will also support with the management of pupils with behaviour difficulties and implement behaviour management plans when required.
We cater for pupils aged 3 - 19 years with special educational needs and disabilities across two sites located in Woodley and Farley Hill. We currently have vacancies available at our main site in Woodley and are interested in hearing from applicants with previous experience of supporting children and young people with special educational needs.
Please contact Amanda Cherry, HR Manager on 0118 966 9073 if you wish to discuss further. To apply, please submit an application form via email to personnel@addington.wokingham.sch.uk.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Addington School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All employees of Addington School are required to undergo safeguarding checks which will include reference checks and enhanced DBS check. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
Addington School is an Outstanding Special School for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. All our pupils’ primary need is a learning difficulty that is either moderate, severe or profound, with up to 50 percent also having Autism. All our pupils have an Education and Health Care Plan and we are currently accommodating up to 310 pupils, aged between 3 and 19 years across 2 sites.
Based in Woodley and Farley Hill, we are part of a newly formed multi-academy trust with deep community roots across the Berkshire area, composed of a family of SEN schools all specialising in learning difficulties. We are very fortunate to have 2 purpose built environments which make our schools fantastic places for learning and wider curriculum enrichment. At Farley Hill, we have a 40 place Nursery to Year 1 Early Years Centre.
We tailor a personalised Educational Programme for every pupil to ensure that they reach their full potential as well as providing a bespoke sequential curriculum steeped in SEND pedagogy. The school has a long history of being outstanding and in March 2023 secured Outstanding again under the new Ofsted Framework. We have particular strengths in our Creative Arts with Music a particular focus for all our students and have considerable expertise in teaching strategies for pupils with learning difficulties as well as Autism and Down Syndrome.
We believe in a positive ethos based on a culture of mutual respect and openness, where we are all learning together to be 'a community committed to excellence and the development of the potential of all’. We pride ourselves in our commitment to induction, professional development and on-going support to all our staff.
Our Aims:
- To know that what we do is making a difference to the lives of our young people.
- To continue to promote an inclusive approach to educational life.
- To expand our Parent and Community Partnership.
- To provide a learning environment based on mutual respect and self-advocacy.
- To create a challenging forward thinking culture.
Learning Support Assistant - Woodley (closing date 15.3.2026) in Wokingham employer: North Essex Schools Partnership
Addington School, located in Woodley, is an outstanding special school that prioritises staff development and offers a supportive, collaborative work culture. Employees benefit from a range of perks including a Local Government Pension Scheme, free car parking, and access to private medical schemes, all while being part of a community-focused environment dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to innovation in teaching, Addington School is an excellent employer for those looking to advance their careers in education.
Contact Details:
North Essex Schools Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant - Woodley (closing date 15.3.2026) in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Addington School and understand their commitment to SEND. 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! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education forums. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life scenarios. Be ready to discuss how you've supported children with special educational needs in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Addington family!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant - Woodley (closing date 15.3.2026) in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with special educational needs. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific role of Learning Support Assistant.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people with learning difficulties shine through. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in our pupils' lives!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key experiences and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Essex Schools Partnership
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children with learning difficulties, autism, and other related conditions. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the unique environment you'll be working in.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss any previous experience you have supporting children and young people with SEND. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, whether through behaviour management or creating engaging learning environments. This will help demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with questions that show your interest in the school and its culture. Ask about their approach to staff development, how they support new team members, or what a typical day looks like for a Learning Support Assistant. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role involves supporting the Class Teacher and working within a collaborative culture, highlight your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, especially in educational settings. This will reassure them that you can contribute positively to their inclusive learning community.
