Learning Support Assistant

Job description / Role

Job overview

PolyMAT is a small but ambitious multi-academy trust with a unique family feel. We are proud of our vision: Success for everyone, and we are seeking a dedicated learning support assistant to help us deliver this vision within our LARP (Local Authority Resource Provision) Unit at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys.

Our trust currently comprises three schools:

• Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys u2013 a long-established and successful boysu2019 secondary school.
• Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls u2013 opened in 2019 and growing rapidly.
• Bannockburn Primary School u2013 a large, thriving primary school that joined the trust in November 2023.

We also offer a flourishing co-educational sixth form. Across all our schools, we foster a culture of high standards, underpinned by our core values of care and unity. Staff and students alike benefit from a supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels part of the PolyMAT family.

About the role

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys is looking for a reliable, committed, and compassionate learning support assistant to join our LARP Unit, supporting students with autism and/or moderate learning difficulties. You will work under the supervision of the Head of LARP and the guidance of the HLTA, helping students access learning and develop essential life skills.

The LARP Unit supports students with EHCPs and aims to:

• Provide a nurturing environment that facilitates integration into the mainstream school community.
• Develop communication, interaction, and social skills.
• Support access to the curriculum.
• Foster independence and life skills.
• Improve literacy and numeracy.
• Help students gain appropriate qualifications for future education and employment.
• Enable access to the local community.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will:

• Have prior experience working with students with autism and/or moderate learning difficulties, preferably within a primary or specialist educational setting.
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Exhibit patience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting the holistic development of young people.
• Possess a positive attitude and a good sense of humour.

As a member of the PolyMAT staff, we can offer you:

• Opportunities for career progression.
• Access to apprenticeship training.
• Excellent professional development.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• Opportunities to collaborate with outstanding and dynamic teaching professionals.
• Access to various discounts for a small monthly fee.
• An employee assistance programme.
• Season ticket loans.
• Excellent catering facilities.
• Cycle2Work scheme.
• Secure on-site parking.
• Free daily coffee for staff.

PolyMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject upon the academy trust receiving an enhanced disclosure and barring service certificate (DBS), which the academy considers to be satisfactory. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS application form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the code of practice published by the disclosure and barring service. The post you are applying for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and it is therefore an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

In accordance with KCSIE 2024, shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online profile and social media check.

PolyMAT is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination, and providing opportunities for people with disabilities. We are an inclusive trust that strives to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We aspire to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of circumstances or background, has the opportunity to be the best version of themselves through our vision of u2018Success for everyoneu2019.

For any potential applicants, we encourage you to inform us of any additional support or adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process. We have an open approach to support for candidates with disabilities and recognize that reasonable adjustments may be required based on each individual's needs.

Sharing your needs with us ahead of the interview allows us to fully support you and ensure you are not disadvantaged during the process. We welcome candidates to contact us at any point should you feel uncomfortable declaring a disability, to reassure you that we are here to support.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 7 September. Interviews will be scheduled to take place shortly after.

Suitable candidates will be interviewed promptly upon receipt of application. The closing date will be brought forward in the event that the post is filled.