Learning Support Assistant

Tree Tops Primary Academy has a great opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join our school and be part of our teaching support team. Our successful candidate will be motivated, enthusiastic and creative, working closely with our pupils on a daily basis. The successful applicant for this learning support role will have a proven record of successful work with young children, have high expectations and can enable individuals to achieve their potential and make good progress, making a real impact to our pupils' learning from the off-set. The successful candidate is required to start in March 2021, and whilst this position is offered on a fixed term basis in the first instance (until end of August 2021), every effort will be made thereafter to offer a substantive position within the wider network of LAT academies.

This fixed term position offers an actual salary of £13,370 per annum based on 32.5 hours per week, Term time + 1 week of inset. Please be aware that interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis, therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.

Tree Tops Primary Academy is an exciting and forward thinking school, striving for the very best educational experience for all children. It serves an area of social deprivation, and is proud to be at the very heart of the local community.

We are particularly looking for someone who:

•    Is a creative, enthusiastic and energetic practitioner.

•    Can communicate with pupils and staff and parents effectively and is a real team player, both verbally and in written form.

•    Has a commitment to supporting whole school improvement and is able to contribute to the academy ethos of shaping lives and transforming communities.

In return, we can offer:

•    An inspiring and supportive staff team committed to providing a good level of education for every pupil.

•    An excellent offer of continuing professional development for all staff.

•    An exciting and creative learning setting where everyone is listened to and there is a very strong teamwork ethic.

•    Many wider career opportunities through the Leigh Academies Trust.

Working for Tree Tops Primary Academy: Tree Tops Primary Academy, located on the outskirts of Maidstone, is set in magnificent grounds with ample space for both outdoor learning and play. Our thriving nursery is located on site and offers an excellent start for our children’s education. We have separate and spacious facilities for Early Years, KS1 and KS2, as well as rooms for small group and specialist teaching.

We offer our children a range of additional experiences and support, including regular trips and visitors, sports coaching, after-school clubs, counselling and play therapy. The academy has been recognised as having ‘good’ leadership and management, and the whole staff team are striving for constant improvement together. Our academy is a happy, caring and vibrant community which offers a stimulating learning environment. By developing potential, drive and self-esteem we help everyone to become a unique, responsible, respectful, motivated and successful individual. The academy caters for boys and girls from the age of three to eleven years. It is well equipped, having its own nursery, library, two halls, kitchens and extensive outdoor areas.

We aim to give every child the very best start to their education through lively and engaging teaching using an exciting, broad and balanced curriculum. We want our children to enjoy a wide range of experiences which bring the curriculum to life and make learning active, meaningful and relevant. All staff work hard to ensure the best possible quality of education for the children in every class.

We were delighted that in June 2019 Tree Tops was judged as Good with Outstanding Leadership and management and Outstanding for pupils' personal development and welfare.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2020, our Trust will comprise 28 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 15 primaries and 2 special) educating over 16,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. We also have one further secondary academy in the development phase, due to open in September 2021. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document. 

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust.  This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.​​​​​​​

Diversity at our core: As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise.

The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.

Recruitment and hiring during COVID-19: Despite the challenges we face, recruitment and hiring will continue for all Leigh Academies Trust vacancies with as little disruption as possible over the coming weeks and months. This is for all senior, teaching and support staff appointments. Applications will still be reviewed and interviews conducted in a timely manner, although interview activities will vary. If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with the LAT Talent Team - talent@latrust.org.uk.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.