Learning Support Assistant

Scale : Scale 3, TTO,  FTE £16,444 (pro-rata further depending on contracted hours and start date)

Contract : Fixed Term Contract until 31/08/2021

Hours : 26.25 per week, Term Time Only

The Laurus Trust is a highly successful and growing multi-academy trust in the North West of England, with Cheadle Hulme High School (CHHS), the founder school, at its centre. Our vision is for everyone regardless of background or circumstance to be inspired, to thrive in all environments, to recognise what it takes to succeed, to set aspirational goals and to work hard to achieve them.

All our Laurus Schools are hugely oversubscribed and have a reputation, both locally and further afield, for outstanding teaching and learning through the relentless pursuit of excellence and the determination to ensure that every child succeeds. In the recent Staff Engagement Survey, 97% of our employees stated that they would recommend working for Laurus Trust to their friends.

Due to continued growth and success, Hazel Grove High School is looking to appoint a pro-active and dedicated Learning Support Assistant. This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Laurus Trust family, and to play a vital role in maintaining the high standards of the Trust. Support staff work tirelessly to ensure all services run smoothly and efficiently, enabling our teaching staff to focus on delivering an outstanding education for our students.

Main Responsibilities

• Support identified students within the classroom environment, within small group situations and on a one to one basis.
• Work with teachers to enhance student progress, whilst also promoting their independence, self-esteem and social inclusion.
• Act as keyworker for students with SEND in order to support their progress throughout school.
• Prepare and maintain learning resources according to the needs of students with SEND.
• Update school focused plans for students with additional needs to profile their needs to staff.
• Contribute to the Learning Support Development Plan.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records where required for students with SEND.
• Act upon the appropriate advice of outside agencies to implement advice and strategies given on how to support students with SEND.
• Collaboratively work with all members of the pastoral team, to support the progress of students with SEND.

Key Skills & Experience

• Ideally possess prior experience within a similar role.
• Experience working in a school environment would be advantageous.
• You must have experience working with young people who are either vulnerable or have special educational needs.
• Sound educational background including GCSE’s in Maths and English (A*-C) or equivalent.
• Possessing a relevant NVQ3 or equivalent qualification is desirable.
• Having a First Aid qualification would be extremely beneficial.

Employee Benefits

We offer a wide range of employee benefits to all of our staff in return for their commitment to our schools, and to help contribute towards improving their well-being. These include:

• A Health and Wellbeing strategy including targeted Health Promotion Initiatives, Wellbeing App and a commitment to have a trained Mental Health First Aider in every school
• A proactive approach to flexible working – we are a family friendly organisation
• Subsidised nursery in Cheadle Hulme
• Children of Staff have priority in the admissions oversubscription process (subject to availability)
• Pension scheme with excellent employer contributions
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Staff development programme and investment in professional qualifications
• Subsidised Gym Membership
• Free Flu jabs

Core Behaviours

At the Laurus Trust, it is not just about what we do but also about how we do it. Our core behaviours detailed below provide guidance on the expectations we have of our staff. It is essential that any employee joining the Trust is able to demonstrate some or all of these behaviours on a regular/daily basis:

• Adaptable - Open to change, to be flexible
• Courageous - Willing to speak up, offer ideas, challenge the norm
• Hard Working - Strong work ethic, prepared to go the extra mile
• Inclusive - Treat others fairly and equally
• Engaged - Involved/absorbed in your work, participate at all times
• Value - Add value to your role, your team and the Trust
• Enquiring - Have an enquiring mind, curious, improve and find solutions
• Motivated - Pro-active, wanting to achieve goals, willingness to try, can do attitude
• Encouraging - Giving/offering support and confidence to others, working together
• Navigator - Providing guidance, leading when necessary
• Tenacious - Perseverance, never giving up, whatever it takes

If you are a passionate and committed individual just starting your career, or you are looking to build on existing skills and want to work in a highly progressive and successful organisation that’s committed to growth and opportunities for all, then we want to hear from you.

For further information relating to the School you’re applying to, or for more information about The Laurus Trust and further Employee Benefits we offer, please download the Candidate Information Pack (from TES) or visit https://www.laurustrust.co.uk/

For general queries relating to the role or your application, feel free to contact us using the recruitment e-mail; recruitment@laurustrust.co.uk

N.B: Please complete an application form as CV’s will not be accepted. We also ask that you base the evidence in your application on the knowledge and experience of the role as described in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date: Friday 6th November 2020 at 9.00am

Interview Date: Thursday 12th November 2020

The Laurus Trust and its affiliated schools are committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.

We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across the school. This is in line with statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019 and The Education Act 2002, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.