Key Information

Role:                         Teaching Assistant Level 4 HLTA one-to-one support (Maternity cover)

Salary:                        Band 6 SCP 23-25, £30,151.00 - £32,020.00 (pro-rated to term time only)

Employer:                 The Sovereign Trust

Location:                   Longford Park School

Working Pattern:      36.25 hours per week 39 weeks per year

Contract Type:         Fixed-term contract. Expected to end in May 2024

Closing Date:           9am, Thursday 8th June 2023

Start Date:                 1st September 2023

Interview Date:        Friday 23rd June 2023

Email completed applications to: hr@thesovereigntrust.uk

Longford Park School is a special school for pupils with identified social, emotional and mental health needs. We are also a Pupil Referral Unit for the Trafford borough. There are pupils in school between the ages of 4 and 11. Unfortunately, many of our pupils have experienced trauma in their lives and need a unique school that can offer them both a quality education and a safe place to explore their thoughts, emotions and experiences.

Despite the multiple vulnerabilities our pupils have, we continue to have the highest possible academic aspirations for our pupils. 

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, flexible, experienced teaching assistant to work with one of our pupils, who has complex needs and is need of support for the duration of the school day. The role will require the candidate to plan and deliver a personalised timetable, tailored to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of the young person in all aspects of their personal and academic development. The successful candidate will also be required to make full and detailed notes about the school day and will work closely with parents to ensure consistency between home and school. Due to the level of funding attached to this role, it is expected the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a high level of initiative and will be able to plan and manage their own workload. An understanding of FAS, attachment, ADHD and ASC is also desirable, although additional training will be provided.

What are our pupils looking for in a teaching assistant?

“I know I find school hard but I know if I want a bigger brain, I’m going to find my work tough sometimes. I need adults who are clever and know how to help me”

“Someone to sit with me when I am sad”

“Adults who know what it feels like to find things hard”

“I want someone like my Mum, who even when I get mad and wreck stuff, she always stays with me and likes me”

“I like adults who are fun and I like it when I can make them laugh”

“People who come and make school better. Maybe by starting a gaming club”

“Adults who work hard to help me to get a good job when I am older”

“The teachers here care about me and offer help even when I have said awful things and done the worst things”

Why do our current staff want to work here?

“We have fantastic diverse children who challenge us! I have learnt so much from the pupils here”

“I have had the support to grow into a role I never believed I could do, but have had so much encouragement that now I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else”

“This is a community where everyone is supported and has a place. I am lucky to be a part of it”

“The support staff give each other isn’t like anything I have experienced before in a workplace”

“It is a privilege to work here with these children and these members of staff”

“To be the hope, care and role model that every child should have”

“It’s a job where I can really make an impact. I know I can make a big difference to children who feel like everyone has given up on them”

“As staff, we are treated with warmth and care. LPS is a little family”

“When I first started, I felt like I was surrounded by little versions of me. LPS is the perfect place to give back to a community that was once given to me”

Longford Park School is an outstanding school held in high regard both locally and nationally. We are a proud member of the Sovereign Trust. The Sovereign Trust is a thriving Multi-Academy Trust currently consisting of four special schools covering a whole range of SEND and phases of education.

We encourage you to view our website for a greater insight into our outstanding school: http://www.longford.trafford.sch.uk

Are we the right school for you?

We believe in ourselves and each other.

We all belong in our community.

Everyone becomes the best they can be.

If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, you should complete the attached application form.

Please note that only applications on the Trust’s application form will be considered. Candidates who submit a CV will not be short-listed. Completed applications are to be returned to hr@thesovereigntrust.uk to arrive by 9am Thursday 8th June 2023.

Please see the job description and person specification for more information.

Closing date for receipt of applications:

Thursday 8th June, 9am

Shortlisting:

Monday 12th June, am

Interviews for successful candidates will be held at Longford Park School:

Friday 23rd June

The Sovereign Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to a satisfactory two-year reference history, Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check (previously CRB check), medical clearance, and proof of legal working in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.