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- Tasks: Support students with Special Educational Needs to help them thrive in the classroom.
- Company: Join Paignton Academy, a supportive school focused on student success and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a friendly working environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help them reach their full potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with children in education is essential; passion for learning is a must!
- Other info: Be part of a community that values respect, learning, and positive impact.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Paignton Academy is seeking to expand its team of dedicated Learning Support Assistants to work across our Borough Road and Waterleat Road sites. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals who are committed to supporting teaching and learning and making a positive difference to the lives of young people.
The successful candidates will work with named pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), providing targeted support under the direction of the Learning Support Coordinator. This role is key in helping pupils access the curriculum, develop confidence, and achieve their expected levels of progress, both academically and socially.
If you are passionate about supporting children’s learning and are keen to contribute to a caring and inclusive school community, we would welcome your application.
Responsibilities
- Work with named pupils with SEND, providing targeted support under the direction of the Learning Support Coordinator.
- Help pupils access the curriculum and develop confidence to achieve expected progress, academically and socially.
- Support teaching and learning as part of a collaborative team.
If you are passionate about supporting children’s learning and are keen to contribute to a caring and inclusive school community, we would welcome your application.
What the school offers its staff
At Paignton Academy, we focus on developing well-rounded students who excel academically and grow socially, emotionally, and morally. We inspire our students to be kind, resilient, and responsible, preparing them to face challenges and contribute positively to society.
Paignton Academy is on a significant improvement journey which was recognised in its most recent Ofsted report (December 2024):
- The school has redesigned its curriculum to be broad and ambitious. The knowledge pupils will learn is organised in a logical order. The impact of these improvements is evident in key stage 3, where pupils demonstrate they know and remember more of what they have been taught.
- Since the previous inspection, the quality of provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has improved. Pupils’ needs are identified quickly, and appropriate support is put in place. Teachers have a growing understanding of how to adapt their teaching successfully for the benefit of these pupils. The school ensures that pupils with SEND are included in the wider life of the school.
- Pupils’ behaviour has improved. Lessons are calm and purposeful. The ‘speak up, speak out’ campaign has led to more pupils feeling confident to report concerns.
Why Paignton Academy?
- Strong Relationships: We value respectful connections between students, staff, and parents, working together to ensure student success.
- Love of Learning: We foster a passion for lifelong learning, helping students grow into curious, well-rounded individuals.
- Community & Pride: We instill pride in both our school and the local community, empowering students to make a positive impact.
Why Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust?
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South West, South, South East, and East of England. We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.
Learn more about our Vision and Values here.
Benefits
- Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
- Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
- CPD: Our in-house training provision, Thinking Horizons, offers clear pathways for professional development including Chartered Teacher status, regular MAT meets to share best practice and a range of external opportunities to enhance your development.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, eye care vouchers and preferential access to Benenden Health.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
- Convenient Parking: Park for free in our staff car park on-site.
- TSAT Benefits Portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
Next Steps
If you are interested in working at our school, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today!
Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.
We strongly encourage anyone who may be interested in working at our school to contact Sara Robotham (HR & Payroll Officer) via email sara.robotham@paigntonacademy.tsat.uk to arrange an informal conversation about the role.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates; if you have any questions regarding this process, please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
Commitment to safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
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Learning Support Assistant employer: Teaching vacancies
Contact Detail:
Teaching vacancies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out Paignton Academy's website and social media. Understanding their values and recent achievements will help you connect with the team and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your experience aligns with supporting students with SEND, and don’t forget to highlight your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share examples! Think of specific situations where you've supported young people in overcoming challenges. This will demonstrate your skills and commitment to helping students reach their full potential.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or young people, especially in educational settings. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at Paignton Academy.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see how you’d fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching vacancies
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Assistant and the specific needs of students with SEND. Familiarise yourself with relevant strategies and approaches that can help these students thrive in the classroom.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in students' lives. This will resonate well with the interviewers at Paignton Academy.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other staff. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully contributed to a team in the past, especially in educational settings. This is crucial for creating a supportive environment for students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to SEND and how they support their staff. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and the school’s mission, and it gives you a chance to assess if it's the right fit for you.
