Learning Support Assistant (Focus-Trust Level 2, Local Authority Level 3)

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our team. Candidates must have experience working with and supporting students with special educational needs within Early Years and KS1. This role is for a Focus Trust Level 1 Learning Support Assistant, which is the equivalent of the Local Authority Level 2). The typical start time is 08.30am, and the typical finish time is 3.30pm

Ideal candidates will have a good working knowledge of Early Years curriculum, child development and interventions, and who is able to demonstrate initiative and teamwork.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a passion for supporting the delivery of a broad curriculum to primary aged children.
• Is fair, caring, flexible and dedicated.
• Is highly motivated with the ability to work as part of a team.
• Has clear drive and ambition to learn and develop themselves.
• Is adaptive and can work flexibly with other colleagues.
• Is committed to helping all children reach their potential.
• Has experience working within a SEN and Sensory space.
• Is able to demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.

We can offer:

• A school where role, workload and wellbeing are given high priority and are balanced.
• A friendly and caring school.
• Happy, enthusiastic and well-behaved children who have a passion for learning.
• High quality CPD and support from Focus-Trust as well as mentoring and support in school.
• A collaborative and supportive professional community.

If you are a passionate Learning Support Assistant ready to make a real difference in children’s lives, enthusiastic, innovative with high expectations and a genuine commitment to every child's success this may be the role for you.

We welcome applications from candidates who:

• Hold (or will achieve) a Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
• Are passionate about helping children succeed and reach their potential.
• Have high expectations for all learners.
• Are reflective, motivated and eager to develop professionally.
• Believe strong relationships are key to effective teaching.
• Want to thrive in a supportive and values-driven school community.

You’ll find more about the role, school and Trust in the Candidate Information Pack.

The role will be based at Coppice Primary Academy, but could involve some travel to our other schools within the Trust.  This of course will be reasonable and appropriate to the role.  

Focus-Trust  

Focus-Trust was established in 2012.  We are a charitable primary trust, based in the North-West of England and West Yorkshire and are dedicated to working with our 15 primary schools.   It is the core purpose of Focus-Trust to continually strive to be a learning organisation, where the learning of all children and adults is valued and promoted. 

We passionately believe equality of opportunity starts with education; irrespective of where you were born or where you live, a high-quality education in one of our great schools will make a fundamental difference to all our children's lives, career prospects and social mobility.   We are proud to have a great team of people working in our central team and within our schools who always put children at the heart of our practice.

We are committed to providing excellent professional development opportunities for all our staff and always aim to be an employer of choice.  We welcome people who share our values and approach to our work and who can help us make our mission a reality: ‘Learning together, making the difference’ and help us demonstrate our vision; ‘Great schools at the heart of our communities’. 

Additional Reasons to Join Us: 

• Automatic enrolment into a Local Government Pension Scheme (albeit employees can opt out if they choose to).
• Terms and conditions which are in line with Focus-Trust pay and grading structure which applies to all support staff across the Trust.   
• Access to the employee assistance programme to support with great health and wellbeing for all. 
• Cycle to work schemes available.
• Excellent opportunities for professional and career development.
• Commitment to Safeguarding.

Commitment to Safeguarding 

Focus-Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people.  There is an explicit expectation that all staff, trustees, governors and volunteers share this commitment and adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures.

Applicants should be aware that the recruitment process will include an assessment of your suitability to work with children and must be willing to undergo pre-employment checks.  Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Focus-Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups and ethnic minorities.    

If you are shortlisted, we will take up references before the interview date. One of your referees must be your current or most recent employer. Two satisfactory references must be received before we can confirm any offer of an appointment. The information we request will relate to salary, length of service, skills and abilities, suitability for the job, disciplinary record and suitability to work with children. Copies of references or open references will not be accepted. On receipt of references, your referees may be contacted to verify any discrepancies, anomalies, or relevant issues as part of the recruitment verification process.

In line with our safer recruitment policy, an online presence search will be undertaken if you are shortlisted. This online search is designed to complement the range of standard recruitment checks and allows us to identify a candidate’s online presence which potentially could damage the organisation’s reputation and/or question a candidate’s suitability to work with children.