EBSA Secondary: Trauma-Informed Learning Support Assistant

Keys Co-operative Academy Trust has an exciting opportunity for aspiring Learning Support Assistants (EBSA Secondary). The role involves supporting secondary pupils experiencing Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA), helping them rebuild confidence, manage anxiety, and re-engage with their learning. The position start date is effective from 1st September 2026. The position is 37 hours per week, with the following working pattern: Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 4:30pm, Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm.

What you'll be expected to do in the role:

• Build safe, trusting relationships with pupils as a consistent role model
• Deliver trauma-informed and life skills interventions
• Support individual and small group learning, both academically and pastorally
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for each young person
• Track progress and celebrate every success, no matter how small

What we're looking for:

• A strong understanding of the impact of trauma and adversity on young people
• Experience working with children or young people in an educational or similar setting
• Excellent communication, organisation, and teamwork skills
• Willingness to undertake relevant training, including first aid and trauma-informed practice

What we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Access to wellbeing support and training
• The chance to make a real impact on the lives of vulnerable young people

Please read the full job description attached, which lists all the duties you would be expected to cover.

Interviews are to be held on Friday 12th June 2026. We reserve the right to withdraw the advert early where required. The following pre-employment checks will be required where applicable to the role and setting:

• Receipt of satisfactory references
• Verification of identity
• A satisfactory DBS disclosure if undertaking Regulated Activity
• Verification that you are not barred from working with Children
• Verification that you are not prohibited from teaching
• Verification of medical fitness for the particular role
• Verification of qualifications and of professional status where required e.g. QTS status
• The production of evidence of the right to work in the UK
• Verification of successful completion of/exemption from statutory induction period
• Verification that you are not subject to a section 128 direction preventing you from holding a management position within a school (if applicable)
• A declaration that you are not disqualified from working with children by virtue of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2018 or that you have provided a valid disqualification waiver from Ofsted

In line with recommended practice in the statutory guidance "Keeping Children Safe in Education", the school will conduct searches for information on shortlisted candidates which is publicly available online. The purpose is limited to identify issues which call into question the applicant's suitability to work with children and to verify employment history. Only information related to the purposes stated will be shared with the Panel. Any information will be discussed with candidates at interview before any decisions regarding the recruitment process are made.

Recruitment Statement

Keys Co-operative Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. The Trust complies with the statutory legislative requirements and guidance that seeks to protect children including 'Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance'. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. This includes the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting documents. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

Keys Co-operative Academy recognises the value of, and seeks to achieve, a diverse workforce which includes people from all backgrounds. We take positive steps to create an employment culture in which people feel confident of being treated with fairness, dignity and tolerance irrespective of their individual differences. This is embedded through our co-operative values. This commitment extends beyond the relationship between and conduct of employees and potential employees, to the whole community.

Information about the School: Mid Essex Co-operative Academy is a 4 – 16 school for 135 young people most of whom have found it difficult to be successful in a mainstream school. We are very proud of the provision we offer. Students are taught in small groups and they study the core curriculum at both Key Stage 3 and 4. In addition to the core curriculum, we provide rich and varied extended curriculum opportunities ranging from music therapy, targeted literacy intervention, horse riding to vocational courses and work experience placements. Small classes benefit students and enable them to make good progress as staff can ensure that learning is tailored to individual student needs.

At Key Stage 3, in partnership with local schools, we focus on supporting young people to return to a mainstream school. At Key Stage 4, we focus on providing the opportunity for students to gain 5 GCSEs to ensure a successful transition to post 16 education or training. Many of the young people who attend Mid Essex Co-operative Academy arrive here at a point of crisis or conflict in their lives. It is our aim to ensure that we help them to regain a sense of confidence and self-esteem which allows them to compete on equal terms with their peers, despite the disruption to their education caused by leaving mainstream school. We have an ongoing target that none of our Year 11 leavers are NEET (Not in education, employment or training) and we regularly maintain this excellent target.

The Primary unit for Key Stage 1 and 2 students is located in Witham. The school opened in January 2021. As with the secondary unit, this serves young people, most of whom have found it difficult to be successful in a mainstream school. We are very proud of the provision we offer. Students are taught in small groups and they study the core curriculum. In addition to the core curriculum, we provide rich and varied extended curriculum opportunities ranging from music therapy, targeted literacy intervention, horse riding to vocational courses and work experience placements. Small classes benefit students and enable them to make good progress as staff can ensure that learning is tailored to individual student needs.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.