Learning Support Assistant

Required for January 2025 

‘Are you ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of students by joining our dedicated support staff team?’ 

About the role 

We are seeking an enthusiastic, hardworking, motivated Learning Support Assistant to become part of our team at Orchard Head Junior, Infant and Nursery School. We are looking for someone with a proactive 'can-do' attitude and a passion for doing whatever it takes. Beyond that, we are looking for an individual who demonstrates the potential to excel in their role.  

The successful candidate will be responsible for:  

• supporting pupil’s learning and attending to pupils’ personal needs in order to support teaching and learning in the classroom and across the school. 
• supporting the preparation, planning and implementation of individual and group learning activities and intervention programmes across the school.  
• There may also be times when you are required to work with pupils who have additional needs. 

The role is 27.5 hours per week, term time plus two days, permanent contract, equating to 192 working days per annum.    

About Pontefract Academies Trust 

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve. The Trust is renowned for its commitment to excellence and has achieved remarkable success. Five of our primary schools rank within the top 1% nationally for progress, and our secondary schools feature among the top three secondary schools in the Wakefield district. In a testament to our dedication to educational excellence, De Lacy Primary School was recognised as an “Outstanding” school across all categories by Ofsted in March 2024, underscoring our unwavering pursuit of high standards. 

About Orchard Head Junior, Infant & Nursery School 

At Orchard Head, success begins with strong foundations. Our dedicated staff are committed to nurturing a lifelong love for learning in every child, empowering them to become confident, independent, and successful individuals. We take pride in our above-national Key Stage 2 attainment and progress outcomes, reflecting our unwavering focus on academic excellence. Beyond academics, our personalised development opportunities enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with memorable experiences that shape their holistic growth. Together as a school community, we celebrate our achievements and eagerly anticipate continued growth, flourishing, and success at Orchard Head. 

What can we offer you?  

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:  

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities 
• Generous employer pension (Teachers Pension and West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS). 
• Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (starting from 26 days annual leave, up to a maximum of 33 days dependent on length of service and grade of role – plus 8 statutory bank holidays).  
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance.  
• Cycle to work scheme.  
• Discounted gym membership  
• Free eyecare via Specsavers 
• Childcare vouchers 
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters). 
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2 
• Free flu vaccinations. 

Next steps 

Please visit the Pontefract Academies Trust website where you can find the Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028.   

Here you can find Orchard Head Junior, Infant & Nursery School with further information about our visions and values.   

For more information about the role or to arrange a potential visit please contact the school on 01977 723495 or via email at recruitment@orchardhead.patrust.org.uk.  

Completed application forms should be returned via Face-Ed no later than 10:00am on Friday 13th December 2024 with interviews to be held the week commencing 16th December 2024.    

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.  

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.  

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.