Your chance to be part of our brand new academy! Can you inspire our students and provide them with the support they require? Do you have a passion for working with students with SEN? We have a great opportunity for a knowledgeable and efficient individual to join us in the role of Learning Support Assistant at the Leigh Academy Blackheath. We very recently opened our doors to our founding Year 7 students in September 2018 and we will be expanding our academy for September 2019 - therefore we now have additional opportunities. The overarching purpose of the role is to work with pupils who have learning difficulties usually with a statement of Special Educational Needs. This role will suit both experienced LSAs who are looking to join our academy, and also be suitable for graduates looking to gain first-hand experience with a view to commencing Teacher Training with us in the future.

Successful candidates will work 1:1 with selected pupils and also support small groups both in main stream classes and inclusion workspace and will help to prepare specialist material for them. You will have to opportunity to be part of a team that is truly changing lives and positively transforming the local community. This is an exciting time to consider joining us so please take a close look at the role details and if you feel you have the necessary attitude and experience then we would love to hear from you. Previous experience isn’t essential but the successful candidate will offer enthusiasm, flexibility, a sense of humour and a willingness to learn.

GRADUATES! If you are a graduate and considering a career in teaching, a Learning Support Assistant position could be the ideal way to gain classroom experience and decide if education is right for you. We can then support you in applying for and securing a training position within our Trust.


What we expect of you: Main duties in this role include the following;

To support pupil(s) learning needs. This may involve using a wide range of strategies and methods, according to difficulty, including personal care.
To encourage positive friendship patterns for all pupils in class and particularly the supported pupil.
To motivate and support pupil(s) to remain on task and complete work in a focused way.
To take part in school activities and events as required, accompanying and supporting children on outings from school as necessary.
To attend training days/meetings that support the pupil(s) or address the needs of the school, in accordance with contractual arrangements as appropriate.
To liaise with external agencies and follow their advice for safety, learning and therapy programmes, as appropriate.
To have regular, positive contact with the parents/carers of the supported child and feedback orally to the appropriate staff.
To contribute orally and in writing to the Individual Education Programme (IEP) and Annual Review of the supported pupil(s) as appropriate.
To have due regard to the Health & Safety at Work legislation in carrying out all aspects of the post.
To work with individual pupils, and groups of pupils, with learning difficulties, both in class and in the Learning Support and Inclusion base, to enable them to access the curriculum.
To liaise with individual support teachers and other school staff in the preparation of plans and materials.
To prepare and adapt materials suitable for pupils with learning difficulties to use in class and in withdrawal lessons.


What are we looking for in you? It is preferable for applicants will have previous experience of working with young people but not essential. You will be educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy. You will be committed to personal learning and development, and have a sincere commitment to sharing our long-term aims and drive for continuous improvement. In return, we will offer you a professional and supportive team, a state of the art working environment and a genuine opportunity to develop.

About Leigh Academy Blackheath: Leigh Academy Blackheath is part of Leigh Academies Trust, one of the most successful medium-sized, multi-academy trusts in the UK. Having opened in September 2018 with a Year 7 cohort of 180 students, we will reach full capacity in September 2022 with 900 students in Years 7-11, and 250 in our Sixth Form. Our vision is based on providing for our inclusive community with ambition and drive at the heart of all that we do. We embrace challenge and collaboration; at Leigh Academy Blackheath we are a family and together we cultivate a culture of belonging.

Diversity at our core: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.