Learning Support Assistant

JFS has been named the 2023 Top-Performing state school of the year in the ‘Sunday Times’ Parent Power list as well as achieving a Progress 8 score of +1.31 placing it in the top 30 secondary schools nationally. As a voluntary-aided school of nearly 2,000 students including a thriving Sixth Form of over 500 students, we are incredibly proud of these results but recognise that there is so much more to a school than academic success alone.

Given that the school was in Special Measures two years ago, there has been a rapid turnaround and improvement in all areas but we are never blind to all the things that still require our focus. Our wish is to build a truly exceptional school and enthusiastic, caring and talented staff are the cornerstone of that aim. Nothing is more important to us that the people we work with and, to that end, we are seeking a dynamic, energetic and motivated Learning Support Assistant to join us.

Whilst academic outcomes are strong, we are acutely aware of all the things we can do better and the headroom we have to build an exceptional school. At JFS, we want to do everything that we possibly can to support teachers in their daily job of planning and teaching. We work to remove any distractions and to that end, teachers are never expected to run a detention, they are never expected to call home to a parent unless they want to, and they are never expected to do a duty. Teachers are not expected to indulge children who wish to disrupt the learning of others. Our approach is one of zero tolerance, tempered by humanity and care, and in which we champion the voices of our quiet children who wish to build a brilliant future for themselves. Our aim is for teachers to be as free as possible to passionately debate the delivery of their subject and explore best practice to ensure that this is school not just filled with outstanding teachers but elite teachers; teachers who represent the very best to be found in our profession.  

To be able for this to be true, we require the very highest quality support staff to ensure the smooth running of the school and the very best of care for our children. To that end, we are seeking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant (graduates with Science, Mathematic, History or DT/Art are desirable) to help our most vulnerable children. As a school with over 50 EHCP students, we are looking for someone who is both kind and compassionate, and for whom supporting others is a natural part of their character. As a member of the SEND team, you will spend most of your time working with children in class to make sure they are able to access the curriculum. You will also be a good communicator and able to deal well with parents given that you will be a key worker for one or more of our students and act as a first point of contact. You will report directly to SENDCO and be involved in helping us build a fantastic provision.

We believe that JFS is an excellent place to work and develop but you should not just take us at our word. If you have any questions at all then please do contact me directly using david.moody@Jfs.brent.sch.uk and I will be happy to organise a visit for you or answer any questions that you may have. Nothing is more important to us than finding like-minded people and no query is too small.

Applications from candidates of faith or non-faith backgrounds are most welcome.

JFS shall reserve the right to shortlist candidates and interview prior to the closing date.

Any unsolicited CVs sent by any agency to us, in any situation where we have not directly engaged the agency in writing to supply candidates for a specific vacancy will be considered to be a “free gift”, leaving us liable for no fees whatsoever should we choose to contact the candidate directly and engage the candidate’s services. Unsolicited CV’s will in no way establish any claim by the agency to representation of that candidate.

Please note, it is not part of JFS' recruitment process to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants at the application stage.