About the role: Can you inspire our students and provide them with the support they require? Do you have a passion for working with students with SEN? We have a great opportunity for a knowledgeable and efficient individual to join us in the role of Learning Support Assistant at the Leigh Academy Blackheath, starting as soon as possible. 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 LSAs 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.


Successful candidates will work 1:1 with selected pupils and also support small groups both in mainstream classes and inclusion workspace and will help to prepare specialist material for them. You will have the opportunity to be part of a team that is truly changing lives and positively transforming the local community. This is an exciting time to consider joining us so please take a close look at the role details and if you feel you have the necessary attitude and experience then we would love to hear from you. Previous experience isn’t essential but the successful candidate will offer enthusiasm, flexibility, a sense of humour and a willingness to learn.


GRADUATES! If you are a graduate and considering a career in teaching, a Learning Support Assistant position could be the ideal way to gain classroom experience and decide if education is right for you. We can then support you in applying for and securing a training position within our Trust.


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

To support pupil(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 pupils in class and particularly the supported pupil.
To motivate and support pupil(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 attend training days/meetings that support the pupil(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 have regular, positive contact with the parents/carers of the supported child and feedback orally to the appropriate staff.
To contribute orally and in writing to the Individual Education Programme (IEP) and Annual Review of the supported pupil(s) as appropriate.
To have due regard to the Health & Safety at Work legislation in carrying out all aspects of the post.
To work with individual pupils, and groups of pupils, with learning difficulties, both in class and in the Learning Support and Inclusion base, to enable them to access the 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 pupils with learning difficulties to use in class and in withdrawal lessons.


What are we looking for in you? It is preferable for applicants will have previous experience of working with young people but not essential. You will be educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy. 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.


Working at Leigh Academy Blackheath: We are a co-educational 11-18yr comprehensive school and, already oversubscribed, our new school is a beacon of excellence for secondary education in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We are driven by the belief that every learner is entitled to an enriching, varied and personalised education; delivered through a broad and balanced curriculum that provides challenge, irrespective of need, starting point or background. Our mission is to ensure all our students develop into powerful citizens of the digital future on both a national and global scale.

Our strong learning community works together and shares the value of collaboration; every member of our academy family works together to achieve success, cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Our belief in ‘human-scale’ education, delivered through a schools-within-schools model, ensures every one of our students is known and valued. Strong pastoral care is at the heart of our academy and we place great importance on building strong partnerships with parents and carers.

Since opening in September 2018, Leigh Academy Blackheath (LAB) has established itself as the local community’s preferred choice for their child’s secondary education. We have received over 1,000 applications for this September’s 180 Year 7 places, with nearly 300 first choice preferences. It is an exciting time to be joining our learning community.

At LAB, everything we do is built upon our core values of: Respect, Integrity, Ambition, Scholarship and Resilience. We are a strong team and work hard together to ensure every student realises their full potential. Staff have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities both within the academy and across Leigh Academies Trust (LAT). A flexible approach with a can-do ethos is required, as is drive, grit and boundless enthusiasm. A sense of humour is essential!


Being a part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2020, our Trust will comprise 28 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 15 primaries and 2 special) educating over 16,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. We also have one further secondary academy in the development phase, due to open in September 2021. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.

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.


Recruitment and hiring during COVID-19: Despite the challenges we face, recruitment and hiring will continue for all Leigh Academies Trust vacancies with as little disruption as possible over the coming weeks and months. This is for all senior, teaching and support staff appointments. Applications will still be reviewed and interviews conducted in a timely manner, although interview activities will vary. If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with the LAT Talent Team - talent@latrust.org.uk

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.