At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs to help them thrive academically.
- Company: Join Castleford Academy Trust, a thriving school dedicated to student success and staff development.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time hours, wellbeing support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C, including Maths and English; experience with young adults preferred.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with a focus on compassion and adaptability.
The predicted salary is between 14604 - 14848 £ per year.
Castleford Academy is an 11-19 oversubscribed, successful mixed comprehensive of over 1,500 pupils offering a rich and deep curriculum. We are firmly committed to establishing first class standards and are proud of our achievements. Our expectations are high and this is reflected in our very successful academic record.
The academy is part of Castleford Academy Trust. Leaders challenge and support all stakeholders to achieve outstanding outcomes for all pupils across the Trust. We value and develop our staff by attracting and retaining high quality teachers, supporting them to achieve their best and create opportunities for professional growth and development.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a hardworking, enthusiastic individual to join our SEN team to ensure all pupils have access to learning and make outstanding progress. You will support the SENCO to implement the necessary support and intervention strategies to all target pupils. You will be responsible for supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs in school, enabling them to achieve/exceed appropriate academic results.
This role requires you to be flexible, adaptable and be able to show compassion and empathy whilst remaining assertive.
You will be:
- Provide support for individual pupils or groups of pupils with special educational needs.
- Provide one to one assistance for pupils with physical disabilities.
- Provide supervision and care where necessary.
- Provide support to enable pupils to access the curriculum.
- Work with pupils in a variety of settings including whole class, small groups and individually.
- Report to the teacher any pupil problems or behavioural difficulties in line with academy policy.
- Report to the teacher or line manager on pupil progress and achievements.
You will have:
- Experience of working with young adults aged 11-16.
- 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C / 9-4, including Maths and English.
- A good standard of education, especially in numeracy and literacy (or willingness to work towards).
- Experience of working with or caring for young adults with special educational needs.
- Good negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills with staff and pupils.
- The ability to relate well to young adults with special educational needs.
As part of our team at Castleford Academy Trust, you will have access to a comprehensive package of wellbeing support designed exclusively for schools, providing access to a team of in-house wellbeing experts, counsellors, nurses and physiotherapists.
Castleford Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. For all positions at Castleford Academy, you are required to complete a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check prior to appointment.
Application forms can be downloaded from our website. Completed applications should be addressed to Mr Wesley Bush, Headteacher at the school address or via email to recruitment@castlefordacademy.com. Providing suitable interest, the closing date for applications is Monday 2nd June 2025, midday, interviews will be held shortly after.
For further information on the school, the role and how to apply please visit www.castlefordacademy.com or telephone Miss Kirsty Triplett, HR Manager on 01977 605060.
Learning Support Assistant employer: Wakefield Council
Contact Detail:
Wakefield Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with special educational needs (SEN). Understanding the challenges they face and the strategies that can help them succeed will show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Learning Support Assistants. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to effectively support SEN pupils, which can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your adaptability and flexibility in previous roles or experiences. Highlighting situations where you've successfully adjusted your approach to meet diverse needs will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your communication skills and how you build relationships with young adults. Being able to articulate your approach to fostering trust and understanding with SEN pupils will be crucial in the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Learning Support Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with young adults, particularly those with special educational needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in communication, empathy, and adaptability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter addressed to Mr Wesley Bush, showcasing your passion for supporting students with special educational needs. Mention why you want to work at Castleford Academy Trust and how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wakefield Council
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with young adults, especially those with special educational needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this role, as it will demonstrate your commitment to supporting students.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with young adults, particularly those with special educational needs. Be specific about the strategies you used to support them and the outcomes achieved, as this will showcase your capability in the role.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Flexibility
During the interview, provide examples of how you've shown compassion and adaptability in challenging situations. This is crucial for a Learning Support Assistant, so be ready to share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with students and adjust to their needs.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to supporting students with special educational needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the academy's mission and values.