Learning Support Assistant

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.

• The successful candidate will work 30 hours per week (8:30am - 3:00pm, Monday to Friday)
• This is a 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:
You are the perfect fit for our team if you have:

• 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, Thursday 3rd September 2026 via MyNewTerm.

• Interviews will take place on Friday 11th September 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.