Learning Support Assistant (SEN)

A rewarding role supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

We’re looking for a caring, patient and committed Learning Support Assistant (SEN) to join our dedicated team and play a vital role in supporting students with a wide range of additional needs across the school.

This is a role where you will directly improve the learning, wellbeing and independence of our students.  You will work under the guidance of our class teachers and specialist staff to deliver personalised support, learning activities and interventions in line with students’ ECHP provision requirements.

What you’ll do:

You will be working across all key stages and supporting a variety of learning and personal needs including:

• Supporting students with individual or small‑group SEN learning activities and interventions, following teacher or specialist guidance

• Helping to deliver personalised programmes in line with students’ EHCPs or SEN support plans

• Supporting students with personal care, including hygiene, health and welfare needs, where required

• Assisting students with mobility, helping them move around school safely if they have physical or mobility difficulties

• Preparing, organising and supporting students’ use of equipment and resources, including ICT

• Supporting behaviour and engagement, helping to maintain a positive, constructive learning environment

This role would suit someone who enjoys working with young people, is patient and supportive, able to support a range of SEN needs, and keen to contribute to a nurturing school environment.

A role where you can truly make a difference

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a compassionate and dedicated team who work together to ensure learning is engaging and rewarding for all students. If you are enthusiastic, reliable and committed to helping students achieve their best, we would love to hear from you. While experience in a school or with children and young people is desirable, it isn’t essential - your values and attitude matter most.

Contract details:

• 2 positions available; 1 x permanent and 1 x fixed-term maternity cover ending 31/08/2027

  Both to start as soon as possible dependant on successful candidates notice period 

• 27.5 hours per week

• Working pattern of Monday - Friday 08:45am - 2:45pm

• Term time + 2 days (197 working days)

Ready to apply? 

To apply, complete an application form via our website.

About Carleton High School 

Carleton High School is a warm, welcoming, and high‑performing school with a strong community feel. We have a five‑year track record of exceptional academic outcomes, placing us among the top schools in Wakefield. Our 2024 Ofsted inspection recognised us as “Good Improving”, highlighting the significant progress we continue to make. 

In September 2025, our brand-new teaching block opened for pupils and staff. The building offers modern, purpose-build facilities to support learning and teaching. 

Our culture is built on improving life chances for every student, driven by our core values of respect, responsibility, determination, and excellence. We are proud to offer a modern, multi‑million‑pound building with state‑of‑the‑art facilities—making this an exciting time to join us. 

As part of Pontefract Academies Trust, recently awarded the Trust Value Award for Excellence in the 2025 Edurio Awards, staff wellbeing and satisfaction are central to our work. At Carleton High School, 88% of staff said they would recommend us as a great place to work - well above national benchmarks. 

Staff say: 
“This is a very caring place to work… all staff look out for each other.” 
“I feel very lucky that I am part of such a lovely department with so many great people.” 

For further information about our school, please visit our website.  

School visits and further information   

Potential candidates are encouraged and very welcome to visit our school. This is a great opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and get a feel for the vibrant community we have built here. We look forward to welcoming you and answering any questions you may have. Please contact us at recruitment@arkcarletonhigh.org.uk or call 01977 781555 to arrange this.  

What can we offer you? 
Be part of a team that values your wellbeing, development and work–life balance. As a member of our school community, you’ll benefit from: 

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities 

• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing 

• For the 2026/27 academic year, we have provided staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days, the next is on Friday 11th December 2026. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals 

• Generous employer pension (West Yorkshire Pension Fund – LGPS) 

• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance,  

• Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest- free loans available for travel seasons tickets or a bike, gym discounts and free eye tests  

• Blue Light Card    

• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters) 

• Free flu vaccinations. 

Click here to find out more about the benefits of working for Ark 

 About Ark 

There are 34,000 students learning in our network of 48 schools across Birmingham, Hastings, London, Pontefract and Portsmouth. We’ve always believed that, with the right approach, every child has the potential to succeed. We work in the communities where we can make the biggest difference to children’s lives, and all our schools are non-selective.   

It works: our schools achieve great results – significantly outperforming national averages, especially when it comes to driving progress – the best measure for ‘closing the gap’.  

We take what we learn in our schools to develop new solutions and approaches that we can share. Over the last two decades, we have developed and incubated more than 20 projects and programmes, supporting them to scale and achieve systemic impact on the life chances of all children. Over 300,000 children currently learn using an Ark curriculum and our Ark Start nurseries are demonstrating a new model for early years education that we hope will become the norm. 

Diversity and inclusion 

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link. 

Safeguarding statement 

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.  

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link. 

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience. 

Further information 

Contact us on 01977 781555 or email recruitment@arkcarletonhigh.org.uk