Learning Support Assistant – The PRIDE Academy

Salary: Grade Support Staff 5/6 £31,069 - £35,444 (£26,604.35 - £30,350.66) PRO RATA)

Location: The PRIDE Academy, West Drayton, UB7 8AB  

Working Pattern: Term Time Only, Permanent

The PRIDE Academy is a secondary special school for students with social, emotional and mental health needs in the London Borough of Hillingdon. It currently offers 120 places to pupils aged 11-19 who thrive on the varied curriculum that has an emphasis on practical skills and enrichment opportunities.

The PRIDE Academy moved into its brand-new purpose-built school in April 2022. The new Free School offers extensive facilities including specialist science labs, well-equipped art and design and technology rooms in a bright and spacious building, as well as an indoor sports hall and an outdoor multi use games area.

Staff at The PRIDE Academy have an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people and ensure they will leave school with the skills they need and academic outcomes that reflect the best of their abilities. To find out more about us visit theprideacademy.co.uk.

The PRIDE Academy is seeking a motivated and compassionate Learning Support Assistant to join their team. You will work closely with students who require additional support, helping them to achieve their academic, social, and emotional goals. Your role will involve working alongside teachers and specialists to deliver tailored interventions, offering one-to-one assistance, and supporting students in both the classroom and wider school activities.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Provide support to Students, so that they can communicate effectively with others

·        Encourage students to become independent learners, provide support for their welfare and to support the inclusion of students in all aspects of PRIDE life

·        Provide support to teachers by working collaboratively to maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment

·        Provide support for the curriculum by raising the learning and attainment of all students

·        Provide support to the Academy by upholding and facilitating inclusive practices

·        Be committed to improving own Professional Learning and Development through reflection, self-evaluation and awareness

Our Trust

PRIDE Academy is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). 

Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

Rewards & Benefits

OHC&AT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and there are many benefits to embarking on your career with us. In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes:

·       Enhanced parental leave schemes

·       Cycle to work scheme

·       Season ticket loans

·       Employee referral scheme

·       Membership to Discounts for Teachers – an app providing employee discounts and benefits

·       Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness

·       Comprehensive training and development

·       Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (our employee assistance programme)

·       Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders

·       Scope for career progression across eight college centres, 14 academy schools and shared services team

·       As part of your contract of employment you will enrolled into a pension scheme, the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) both of which have life cover and financial protection for your family.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.

The PRIDE Academy is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, an established family of specialist academies and college centres that provide for over 1500 pupils and students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit https://www.ohcat.org/work-for-us/

For an informal discussion about the role, candidates are invited to contact Molly King, Recruitment Business Partner Mollyking@orchardhill.ac.uk

Visits to the school in advance of applications are encouraged.

 To apply for the role please use the quick apply option to submit an application. If you have any queries, please contact Mollyking@orchardhill.ac.uk

 Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

Closing Date: 6th January 2025

Interviews: W/C 13th January 2025, though we are ideally looking to interview sooner.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.