Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant

Grade: BB04 (Salary Point 7-9)

FTE Salary: £24,294 to £25,119  Actual: £20,860 to £21,569 (pay award pending)

Working pattern: 37 hours per week Term time only + 5 days

We are looking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant to work with the SENDCO and Learning Support Team to provide support to pupils with special educational needs; helping to make our school and classrooms supportive, enriching places for pupils to fulfil their potential.

The post holder will enjoy a rewarding education career and have a real impact on pupil’s lives. This is an opportunity to provide high quality support to the academic, social and emotional development of students with a diverse range of SEN and mental health needs. As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work directly with the young people in our school, helping to make sure they get the very best from their education.

We provide excellent on-going professional development for staff at all levels. We want staff to develop their knowledge and skills and we provide excellent opportunities for training and progression. The role is an excellent opportunity for someone to gain experience working in a secondary school or with aspirations to eventually train as a teacher.

St Benet Biscop is a popular and oversubscribed school which is highly regarded within the community and we offer a high-quality education in a Catholic / Christian environment. St Benet Biscop is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust; a large trust consisting of 39 schools. The post holders will be based at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy but may be expected to attend off site meetings and training where required. The school has good public transport links into Newcastle Upon Tyne and the surrounding local area.

St Benet Biscop is a great place to work and provides excellent job satisfaction, as it is a very supportive environment with an open and positive working culture. In our recent Ofsted inspection, in January 2023, we were graded as “good” in all areas. Ofsted highlighted:

·        “There is a strong sense of community at St Benet Biscop.”

·        “Pupils get along well with each other and with the staff.”

·        “Lessons proceed calmly, and pupils engage well with their learning.”

·        “Staff say senior leaders consider their workload and listen to their views.”

·        “Staff at the school have a good understanding of safeguarding because they are well trained.” 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service and additional recruitment checks.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our school community and we are looking for an energetic and passionate individual, with excellent organisational and interpersonal skills who will impact positively in this role. Applicants should clearly indicate in their supporting statement what they could bring to this role in terms of experience.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role or a tour of the school prior to applying, please contact Dr S Watts on 01670 822795.

An excellent benefits package is offered including the following:

·        A competitive salary

·        Access to training and support

·        Enhanced sick pay of up to 26 weeks full pay (after qualifying period)

·        Eligible to be part of the Local Government pension scheme (current employer contribution rate of 18.1%).

·        Family friendly BBCET policies and practices that promote health and wellbeing

·        Access to car lease, bike to work and local travel pass salary sacrifice scheme

Application packs, including job description and person specification for the post are available by accessing the Academy’s website: https://www.st-benetbiscop.org.uk/vacancies. Applications from all denominations are welcome.

Completed applications should be sent to HR@stbb.org.uk for the attention of Mr Shepherd, Headteacher.

Closing date for applications: by noon Monday 21 October 2024. 

We reserve the right to appoint in advance of the closing date and may invite exceptional applicants for an early interview in advance of the closing date. We encourage all interested applicants to submit their applications promptly.