At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a collaborative learning environment.
- Company: Join Philip Morant School and College, a community-focused institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture and excellent career growth prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children and knowledge of behaviour management strategies.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Join a Community Where Everyone Feels They Belong at Philip Morant School and College. Are you wanting to work as a part of a team whose purpose is to enable every member of the community to feel they belong? Do you have the skills to contribute to a learning environment that enables staff and students to be the best they can be? Philip Morant School and College was judged as “Good” in all areas by Ofsted in September 2023. We are looking for a Learning Support Assistant who can be a key part in our ongoing improvement journey.
Our school is a calm and orderly place. We work hard to ensure everyone feels welcome. As the largest school in Colchester we have exceptional facilities. Through the Sigma Trust there are many opportunities to work with staff in other schools and to have opportunities for development. Living and breathing our vision and values starts from interview day, with every applicant welcomed by the Headteacher. From there every member of staff is part of a strong team and support and opportunity is always available.
Our most recent Ofsted report states: “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those in the enhanced provision, are very well catered for. Teachers know the pupils and their needs well. They use pupils’ support plans to make sure that they participate fully in lessons. Specialist staff effectively support those pupils with visual impairment and those who are deaf.” We are looking for an individual who can maintain this excellence in our SEN provision. This role will support our learners with Special Educational Needs across the wider SEN profile in the school, in full class settings, in interventions and through being a key worker. The school has enhanced provisions for hearing and visually impaired students and all LSAs work with these students. We would welcome ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support) qualifications and experience to help support students but this is not essential and can be provided.
30 hours per week (8:30am - 3:00pm, Monday to Friday) 39-week per year role, which includes term time and non-pupil days.
A Day in the Life: You’ll be responsible for bringing your passion and expertise to the following areas:
- Working with individuals or small groups in the classroom
- Being a Key Worker – supporting identified students in all areas of SEND.
- Being involved in planning, organising and implementing withdrawal interventions.
- Completing One Plans and Pupil Passports with students and parents.
What We're Looking For:
- Successful recent experience working with children in a learning environment
- Ability to apply a range of behaviour management policies and strategies which contribute to a purposeful learning environment
- Successful completion of training to support SEN if appropriate
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details. Please note that an integration period applies to all new staff joining the Trust, to support introduction into the organisation.
Why Choose The Sigma Trust? We believe in investing in our staff and fostering a culture of collaboration. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal life.
Professional Development:
- A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish.
- Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust, sharing ideas and building strong professional relationships.
Employee Benefits:
- A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme
- A Health Cash Plan to help manage your everyday healthcare costs
- Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme to support your well-being
- Exclusive perks like the Cycle to Work scheme, access to discounts via free membership to Perkbox, eligibility for a Blue Light Card, and more
Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity: The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks, and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools. The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision ‘To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts’, where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.
To Apply: Ready to take the next step? Find out more about the role and apply by Midnight, Tuesday 2nd June via MyNewTerm. Interviews will take place on Monday 8th June 2026. Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive an overwhelming response. Candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date, so an early application is advised. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this position, so please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before you apply. We are managing all current recruitment directly and kindly request that agencies do not contact us regarding open positions.
Learning Support Assistant - 30 hours per week in Colchester employer: Philip Morant School And College
At Philip Morant School and College, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. With exceptional facilities and a commitment to professional development through the Sigma Trust, our Learning Support Assistants benefit from a robust training programme and collaborative opportunities across schools. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students while enjoying a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a culture that celebrates diversity and well-being.
Contact Details:
Philip Morant School And College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant - 30 hours per week in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Philip Morant School and College, its values, and its community. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your experience aligns with the role of a Learning Support Assistant and be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting students with special educational needs. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've used or would use to create an inclusive learning environment, as this is key to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the Sigma Trust community right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant - 30 hours per week in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with special educational needs shine through. We want to see how you can contribute to creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've had working with children, especially in learning environments. We love seeing how your skills align with our mission to support all learners, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points about your qualifications and experiences 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 we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity at Philip Morant School and College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Philip Morant School And College
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Philip Morant School and College's vision and values. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and support for students with special educational needs will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children, especially those with SEND. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully supported learners in a classroom setting or through interventions, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the school's approach to SEN provision and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Practice Behaviour Management Strategies
Since the role involves applying behaviour management policies, brush up on various strategies you’ve used in the past. Be prepared to discuss how these strategies contributed to creating a positive learning environment, as this is crucial for the position.
