Learning Support Assistant (SEMH)

Leeds East Academy is a thriving 11-16 school committed to transforming the lives of young people through education. Rooted in values of resilience, integrity, trust, and ambition, the academy fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to excel, regardless of their background. As part of the White Rose Academies Trust, the school is dedicated to delivering a world-class education, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its students and embracing innovative approaches to learning.

Recognised by Ofsted in 2024 for its strong leadership, positive student behaviour, and personal development opportunities, Leeds East Academy has undergone remarkable improvement in recent years. The school is driven by the belief that every child can achieve exceptional outcomes. More than just a place of learning, the academy nurtures and inspires students, equipping them with the skills and character to succeed in life and contribute positively to society.

We are committed to investing in our staff and supporting their continuous professional growth. As part of our Trust, colleagues have access to a range of nationally recognised qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6, fully funded by the organisation. We provide protected time during the working week to enable staff to complete these qualifications successfully, ensuring professional development is both achievable and meaningful. This commitment reflects our belief in nurturing talent and supporting career progression across all roles within the Trust.

Leeds East Academy is part of White Rose Academies Trust, a local trust dedicated to raising aspirations and unlocking the potential of young people across Leeds. Together, we are committed to delivering a world-class education and creating life-changing opportunities for all.

Role:

Our Connect provision is a highly resourced and well-structured internal alternative pathway designed for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. As part of the academy’s graduated approach to inclusion, Connect provides targeted and personalised support for pupils who require an adapted, nurturing environment to re-engage with learning.

The provision consists of two dedicated learning rooms, each led by an Inclusion Leader who oversees the day-to-day running of the space and ensures a calm, consistent and aspirational environment. The wider provision is managed by the Connect Manager, who provides strategic oversight and ensures high-quality support across the team. The Connect team currently comprises five members of staff, which this role will be additional to, allowing each colleague to contribute to a cohesive, specialist offer for our learners.

Connect offers a structured environment where pupils receive individualised support to overcome significant barriers to learning. Through an adapted curriculum and high-quality pastoral care, the provision aims to develop students’ social, emotional and academic skills while preparing them for successful reintegration into mainstream lessons.

In this role within Connect, you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of this personalised provision. Working alongside the Inclusion Leader and under the direction of the Connect Manager and teaching staff, you will help create and maintain a safe, positive and encouraging environment where students feel understood and supported. Your responsibilities will include assisting with emotional regulation, promoting engagement with learning, supporting key routines, and delivering targeted activities and interventions as required.

This is an excellent opportunity to support some of our most vulnerable learners through a compassionate, structured and relationship-based approach, helping every student access the tools they need to thrive.

Part of White Rose Academies Trust - Leeds East Academy is accelerating on a thrilling journey, which will ultimately see the school, its staff and its students, secure continued strides for the school and the community that it serves.

We are securing our vision for World Class by growing our family of exceptional education professionals; dedicated specialists and passionate leaders with the shared goal of transforming future prospects for the next generation in West Yorkshire.

The trust currently employs over 500 members of staff and is responsible for educating and developing almost 4,000 students between the ages of 3 to 16. The trust consists of three secondary schools - Leeds City Academy, Leeds East Academy and Leeds West Academy, and also welcomed its first primary school Alder Tree Primary Academy on 1st December 2020.

We believe the trust is a highly desirable place of work for an ambitious professional, who will be joining one of the most supportive and talented teams in the country.

If you would like to arrange a visit to the academy, please contact us on 0113 273 1964.

White Rose Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check.

Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome from all, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability.