Learning Support Assistant – September 2024 Full Time or Part Time considered

FTE Salary £22,595 - £23,693 per annum (actual salary £19,347.30 - £20,287.48 per annum)

37.5 hours per week, 39 weeks pa (term time plus insets)

We are looking to recruit a Learning Support Assistant to work as a member of the LSA team supporting students across all subjects in groups and/or on a one to one basis. 

Trinity School is a popular and oversubscribed Christian Free School in Sevenoaks. We received 740 applications for 180 school places for September 2023 new student intake.

Here are all the great reasons why you should consider working at Trinity:

• We have a strong vision and values, which influences everything we do.
• You can expect a smooth transition to working with us. Not only will you have a dedicated mentor, but an induction programme will ensure you are fully versed in every aspect of Trinity life.
• You will have lunch with the headteacher during the first term of being with us to find out how things are going.
• A staff well-being champion works closely with the leadership team to ensure a manageable staff workload. Your well-being is important to us, and we continuously review our practices to ensure we are working smartly while simultaneously adding value.
• Since our first set of GCSEs in 2018, we have improved on our P8 yearly (2018 +0.15, 2019 +0.21, 2022 +0.32 (above average), 2023 +0.22 (above average)).
• We are a school that supports students to achieve academically and holistically.
• We will prioritise your development and help you achieve your career aspirations. We have promoted several staff to middle and senior leadership positions and given others opportunities to progress in their career elsewhere.
• Our parents are supportive, and many volunteer to help in various ways.
• We have an incredible chaplaincy department that not only looks out for the welfare of students but also cares for our staff.
• We occupy a state-of-the-art building and office and classrooms are well resourced.
• There is ample on-site staff parking and designated staff workrooms.
• Good travel links to London (35 mins by train), M25 (10 mins) and we are in the heart of rural Sevenoaks.

Come and work for us and be part of our story about changing and transforming lives. 

About the SEND Department

We are a team that has an in-depth knowledge of each student with complex needs at Trinity. These are students who are vulnerable, we are their voice and support to really make a difference in each of their lives and help each and everyone reach their God given potential.  Being a part of this team allows you to leave an everlasting impression on these young people in need.

The Trinity SEND team is made up of a SENDCo, Assistant SENDCo, two part time administrative staff and a team of LSAs (currently at 9 LSA), 5 of whom are our lead LSAs who line manage the other LSAs.  An LSA is responsible for supporting and extending SEN Pupils’ learning, meeting pupils’ wider well-being needs, providing pastoral support and supporting the wider work of the school. The SENDCo will distribute specific day to day work via our LSA timetable sent out each morning to ensure we are covering the needs of our students which could include but is not limited to supporting the SEN of pupils, running interventions or overseeing our Garden room (a space for SEN students who are not in mainstream lessons.)

SEND at Trinity is very much a whole school approach and the work we do on the day to day helps further heighten our SEND support at our school and further supports all staff to create an ever growing inclusive environment for all students regardless of need.

About You

The successful candidate will be required to assist subject teachers to meet students’ needs by working with individuals or groups of students on a planned basis, pass on information about the students gathered in other contexts to the subject teacher and work with students who have SEN, disabilities and/or health needs. LSA’s may be required to provide personal care so candidates must be confident and comfortable with this responsibility.

You will act as an extension of the School’s pastoral system by acting as a listening ear and confidante for students and provide general support for students who are re-integrating into school following prolonged absence /change of school /exclusion.

Previous experience as a teaching assistant is preferred. A positive attitude and calm manner with the ability to communicate well with others and demonstrate good organisational skills is essential. 

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children, the needs of children and child development and the ways in which children learn is essential.

How to apply

We are a Christian school through and through and are very keen to uphold this important and foundational element at Trinity. You do not have to be a Christian to join us but be sympathetic to our Christian values.

We highly recommend you come and visit us to experience what others so readily affirm that Trinity is truly a unique place, with a calm and caring atmosphere.

We are recruiting as applicants apply therefore an appointment may be made before the close date.

Our school and all its personnel are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. The successful applicant will be subject to a full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure and checks regarding proof of ID, medical clearance, satisfactory references, social media checks and the right to work in the UK.

If you would like any further information, arrange a visit or an informal discussion please contact Fiona Smith, HR Manager on 01732 469111 or email hr@trinitysevenoaks.com 

To apply please use the Apply now on the TES jobs website. Alternatively our application pack can be found on the school’s website www.trinitysevenoaks.org.uk and should be sent to hr@trinitysevenoaks.com