Teaching Assistant

Please click here to view our Recruitment Brochure

We have a great opportunity for a knowledgeable and efficient individual to join us in the role of Teaching Assistant at the Leigh Academy Minster. The overarching purpose of the role is to work with pupils who have learning difficulties usually with a statement of Special Educational Needs. This role will suit both experienced TAs who are looking to join our Academy, and also be suitable for Graduates looking to gain first-hand experience with a view to commencing Teacher Training with us in the future.

What we expect of you and the main duties in this role include the following;

• To foster strong links between home and school. Working effectively as part of a team to ensure that the wellbeing and personal development of the learner enhances their learning opportunities and life skills. 
• To attend planning meetings with the SENCO to develop learning programmes, assisting in the delivery of adaptive learning, based on student(s) learning needs. This may involve using a wide range of strategies and methods, according to difficulty, including personal care.
• To encourage positive friendship patterns for all students in class and particularly the supported student. 
• To motivate and support student(s) to remain on task and complete work in a focused way.
• To take part in school activities and events as required, accompanying and supporting children on outings from school as necessary.
• To work proactively with SEND team members, ensuring school values are upheld in all areas of the working day. Using drive and initiative to deal with unique situations, where deemed necessary.
• To attend training days/meetings that support the student(s) or address the needs of the school, in accordance with contractual arrangements as appropriate.
• To liaise with external agencies and follow their advice for safety, learning and therapy programmes, as appropriate. To make or modify materials as required e.g worksheets, games, visual prompt cards etc.
• To have regular, positive contact with the parents/carers of the supported child and feedback orally to the appropriate staff. To maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to learners’ needs, having regard for the safeguarding procedures of the school
• To contribute orally and in writing to the Individual Education Programme (IEP) and Annual Review of the supported student(s) as appropriate.
• To have due regard to the Health & Safety at Work legislation in carrying out all aspects of the post. To understand and apply the school policies on learning and behaviour, and the statutory guidelines relating to disability discrimination and special educational needs
• To work with individual students, and groups of students, with learning difficulties to support their access to a full curriculum.
• To liaise with individual support teachers and other school staff in the preparation of plans and materials.
• To prepare and adapt materials suitable for students with learning difficulties to use in the classroom

What are we looking for in you? It is preferable for applicants to have previous experience of working with young people but not essential. You will be educated to at least GCSE level (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy. You will have knowledge and understanding of the different, social, cultural and physical needs of young people. You will be committed to personal learning and development, and have a sincere commitment to sharing our long-term aims and drive for continuous improvement. In return, we will offer you a professional and supportive team, a state of the art working environment and a genuine opportunity to develop.

Do you know a great Teaching Assistant who would like to hear about opportunities with Leigh Academies Trust? If so, make a referral today for the chance to receive £100 as a 'thank you'. Simply complete the referral form by clicking here. T&C's apply.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st April 2024, our Trust comprises 32 geographically organised academies (16 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating more than 20,000 students and employing 3,000 talented staff. Nearly 40% of our academies are judged outstanding overall by Ofsted, versus 15% nationally. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider. Our future plans are found in our Vision 2030 document available on our website.

As part of Leigh Academies Trust, you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Click here to view the benefits available to all LAT employees from day one.

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Recruitment Guidance. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Our commitment to equality and diversity: As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged. Please note, interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.