Learning Support Assistant Part Time Pre-Prep and Nursery

Culford School is seeking to appoint a flexible, forward-thinking, dynamic and innovative individual with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to the role of Learning Support Assistant in the Pre-Prep.

• Part Time, 20 hours per week Monday - Friday
• 34 weeks per year plus INSET days
• Hours 08:00 to 12:00
• In addition, the opportunity to work some days during the school holidays for additional remuneration may be available if desired.
• Start Date: September 2024
• Salary: £9,504 per annum

You will work as part of a committed team with the EYFS and Key Stage One children. A sound knowledge of the EYFS is desirable.

Candidates must be highly motivated, imaginative and keen to regard this as an exciting opportunity for further career development.

Culford is a boarding and day school for over 800 children aged 1 to 18, set in 480 acres of beautiful Suffolk parkland, with an 18th century grade II mansion at its centre and three separate schools: the Pre-Prep & Nursery (ages 1 to 7); the Prep (ages 7 to 13); and the Senior School (ages 13 to 18).

We believe in educating the whole person to deliver a well-rounded, fulfilled individual with excellent academic results. Everything we do is informed by our firm belief that learning should be challenging, enriching and fun. Culford is a Christian school with a Methodist tradition. We see education as a transformational process that guides pupils towards academic success, clear moral values, and the development of leadership and a readiness for the world of adulthood.

The Role

The list below is not exhaustive and assumes that from time to time other tasks not listed may be required to ensure the efficient operation of the school.

• Implement all safeguarding policies and procedures
• Maintain excellent parent partnerships
• The supervision of health and safety
• Implement all Culford’s policies and procedures
• Supporting the learning of all pupils in the Pre-Prep School aged 3-7 years including, but not limited to, in class and group support, small group and 1:1 interventions, observations and planning activities for the EYFS and KS1 curriculum
• Liaise with the Head of Pre-Prep to develop the role
• Help with school events, trips and activities

The Person

Qualifications and Training Level 3 or above that includes an Early Years Qualification

Experience Previous experience of working within a school setting is essential. Experience of Early Years is desirable.

Personal Skills and Attributes

• Be responsible, honest and reliable
• Be practical and enjoy working with children
• Stay calm in an emergency
• Have good verbal communication skills
• Understand safe working practice and health and safety legislation (training will be given)
• Be well organised and capable of prioritising work
• Be happy to work alone and as part of a group
• Have a smart and professional appearance and demeanour
• Be committed to supporting young people
• Be committed to the School’s Equal Opportunities Policy
• Have a willingness to undertake appropriate professional development where necessary
• Be forward thinking and seek continuous improvement
• Model and promote the values of flexibility, innovation, dynamism and resilience

Holiday entitlement: 28 days, plus Bank Holidays, on a pro-rata basis. Please note that May Day is a working day for Culford School. Holiday time to be taken during school holidays.

Benefits: include pension scheme, free lunch during term time, free parking on site

Reports to: Head of Pre-Prep

This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive

statement of tasks but sets out the main expectations of the School in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties.

How to Apply

To apply for this position please visit culford.co.uk/about-us/work-for-us and complete an application form. An accompanying letter addressed to Miss V Steers, Head of Pre-Prep and no longer than one side of A4 should provide additional and relevant information to support your application. 

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 15th May 2024 by 12:00.  Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 20th May 2024. Early applications are encouraged and the School reserves the right to interview before this date to ensure successful recruitment.

All information will be treated as confidential.

If you have any questions or enquiries regarding the application process, or would like to arrange a conversation or visit, please contact the Pre-Prep office on 01284 385412.

Applicants must be living in the UK and be able to provide suitable evidence of their Right To Work in the UK.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.

Culford School puts at the centre of its operation the safeguarding of the pupils of the school and encourage a culture of challenge to ensure the risks of harm to the pupils’ individual welfare are minimised.

Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre-employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before commencement of employment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening; pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.

We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, both of which are available on request. If shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account.

If you are unsure whether you need to disclose criminal information, you should seek legal advice or you may wish to contact Nacro or Unlock for impartial advice. There is more information on filtering and protected offences on the Ministry of Justice website.