Learning Support Assistant

About the School - Meoncross 

Meoncross School is part of an International organisation with a high performing culture and inspirational learning at it’s core. We are a co-educational non selective independent coastal school, offering an outstanding academic journey from Nursery to Year 11, located on the south coast of Hampshire. Our aim is for every pupil to realise their full potential and where every child is an individual.

The school motto ‘Luctor et emergo’ underpins all we do here at Meoncross; the Latin phrase which appeared on the original school badge in 1953 and is best translated as “I strive and I emerge”.

At Meoncross we believe that Mental Wellbeing in Childhood is the single greatest predictor of success in adult life. It underpins our primary aim to deliver Academic Excellence and helps create happy and independent learners. We have developed, are continuing to evolve and expand, a Coastal – Influenced Curriculum, Co-Curricular opportunities and extra-curricular activities. This is directly inspired by the fascinating and versatile natural resource on our doorstep: The Solent Coastline.

We strive to understand the challenges faced by each child by getting to know them very well indeed. Our staff keep a close eye on the progress of each individual, discussing them by name at regular formal and informal meetings. Only in this way can we tailor the support we offer them because every child has their own challenges to overcome. We strive to help them as individuals rather than as a cohort. To this end, we introduce academic mentors as they enter the Upper School. Most importantly, we look to celebrate their successes in school or outside it; supporting them to achieve their ambitions.

The quality of our teaching has been independently judged as ‘outstanding’ and is underpinned by meticulous planning to ensure that our high standards of academic attainment are maintained. When you combine this with our approach to building a life long set of values and a determined work ethic, it is small wonder that we are proud of our leavers.

The school has an exciting opportunity from January 2025 for an experienced  Learning Support Assistant to join our fantastic team. This is a fixed term position (maternity cover) for up to one year. 35.5 hours per week, term time only. Salary up to £17624 depending on experience.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About the role

Located in a semi-rural setting, a stone’s throw from the Sea, Meoncross School and Nursery provides Independent Education for boys and girls aged 2.5 to 16 years. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced individual to join our passionate and committed team on a fixed term contract of up to one year. We are looking for an enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant who will specialise in English across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. The LSA will contribute to the pupil’s development including their physical and mental wellbeing in supporting the teaching and learning in the classroom, providing general and specific assistance to pupils, under the direction and guidance of the class teacher. This will include supporting the pupils on a one to one or small group basis, across a wide range of activities and supportive learning activities, including the preparation and maintenance of resources. 

Who we are looking for: 

To be successful in this role, it is essential that you are confident delivering and tracking interventions in English including working with small group interventions. Whilst predominantly working in the Upper School, you may also be required to work within our Key Stage 2 setting.

The successful candidate will be skilled at establishing and maintaining positive relationships with children that encourage and enable child development. You will be able to implement strategies that promote positive behaviour. You must also be positive and approachable, with patience and the presence to aspire confidence and trust combined with an enthusiasm to see children develop and progress. It is a requirement to have obtained A Level qualifications at Grade C or equivalent qualification or skill level and preferably qualified to at least level 3 LSA /TA .

It is essential that you have experience of working at Key Stage 3 and 4 level and desirable that you have Key Stage 2 experience.

To view the full Job Description, please Click Here

Benefits at Cognita 

•Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience 

•Free lunch provided during Term Time 

•Holiday Allowance 

•Free parking on site (subject to availability) 

•Possible School fee discount 

•Professional Development 

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 15th December.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. 

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED; WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.