Learning Support Assistant

“Education is Success” 

An opportunity to work in the only non-private Academy in London that offers both International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes at KS5.

Our school

We are an International Business and Enterprise Academy and IB World School serving a multi-ethnic community. Westminster Academy (WA) is an exciting and diverse comprehensive school with a 6th form in central London that offers an innovative IB curriculum. WA is a rare standalone academy in London that has the flexibility to deliver an excellent education that is bespoke to its community and students. The Academy is proud of its work to improve outcomes for students in an inclusive, supportive environment.

Our longstanding 1:1 device programme allows WA to thrive as both an onsite and remote learning environment. As a member of the collaborative WA community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside an exceptionally talented group of colleagues who are committed to continued professional growth and improvement of the student experience. We have the ability to be dynamic and lead with autonomy, being a rare standalone academy.

The school was recently graded as ‘good’ in its Nov 2023 Ofsted inspection: ‘The school’s curriculum is ambitious and matches the aims of what is expected nationally’ with an ‘outstanding’ 6th form provision where the IBDP and IBCP are offered. We are inclusive and welcoming, where students of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities are valued and respected.

Top reasons to work at WA

• A standalone academy that has the autonomy and uniqueness to make its own decisions and deliver the education needed for its students
• The only comprehensive secondary London school to offer the innovative IB curriculum – world-class learners
• Supportive staff body that works collaboratively
• Sensible approach to marking and feedback to take staff workload into account
• WA's own own pay scales that are above 1% national teaching pay
• CPD (little and often) and a commitment to professional learning
• Planning days as part of INSET that are dedicated for staff to use for planning purposes
• Active clubs for staff – Harbour club, staff football and staff events and gym membership
• Loan for season travel tickets and bicycle scheme
• Reasonable class sizes to allow for personalised learning
• Excellent modern building and facilities
• Centralised behaviour approaches to remove any barriers to teaching for staff and reduce workload
• Protected curriculum development time
• End-of-year staff incentives linked to attendance
• A supportive and experienced Senior Leadership Team

Our SEN department

The SEND team is led by the Assistant Vice Principal Inclusion and is made up of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), the SENDCo and the Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT). As an LSA at Westminster Academy your role is both important and rewarding, providing essential support for staff and students within the Academy. The team meets weekly to discuss a range of strategies to further support students with SEND and the individual learner needs of every student, whilst sharing best practices and experiences to enrich the learning experience.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Work closely with class teachers to plan and support the students’ learning, including social skills, life and independent skills and personal development
• Be able to manage behaviour and pastoral related concerns and report them to the relevant middle leaders
• Contribute to the inclusive ethos of the Academy, supporting the positive image of the school in the local and wider community
• Share our belief that everyone can benefit from and has an entitlement to high quality educational opportunities

How to apply

For further details and an application form, please see our website.

Please send your completed application form to: hrteam@westminsteracademy.org.uk

We do not accept CVs. 

Closing date: 15th December 2024

Shortlisting date: 16th December 2024

We may interview candidates ahead of the closing date so early application is advised. The Academy reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advertised closing date. The advert may be closed at any time.

We are committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. As such, there may be additional safeguarding requirements and responsibilities depending on the nature of the role advertised and the extent to which the role will involve contact with children. We expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding. 

A professional social media check may take place to reduce risks to reputation, confidentiality breach and data security. The check identifies a candidate's online presence to look for negative behaviours such as bullying, racism, nudity and excessive bad language.

The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, as the work brings employees into contact with children who are regarded by the Act as a vulnerable group. Applicants for any role at Westminster Academy must disclose all spent and unspent convictions.

Westminster Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.

We are inclusive and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.