Teaching Assistant

Please click here to view our Recruitment Brochure.

Can you inspire our students and provide them with the support they require? Do you have a passion for working with students with SEN? We have a great opportunity for a knowledgeable and efficient individual to join us in the role of Teaching Assistant at the Leigh Academy Rainham. The overarching purpose of the role is to work with pupils who have learning difficulties usually with a statement of Special Educational Needs. This role will suit both experienced TAs who are looking to join our Academy, and also be suitable for Graduates looking to gain first-hand experience with a view to commencing Teacher Training with us in the future.

Successful candidates will work 1:1 with selected pupils who may have a range of needs including Dyslexia, ADHD, ASD and physical disabilities and also support small groups both in mainstream classes and inclusion workspace, helping to prepare specialist material for them which will involve small group interventions. They will also be asked to support pupils at the end of the Academy day in Homework Club and may be required to run therapy sessions as part of students EHCPs. They should be relatively confident using IT as will be provided a Chromebook to support students, access up-to-date information on individual students, log rewards and consequences and communicate with staff. You will have the opportunity to be part of a team that is truly changing lives and positively transforming the local community. This is an exciting time to consider joining us so please take a close look at the role details and if you feel you have the necessary attitude and experience then we would love to hear from you.

This is a permanent opportunity working 35 hours per week (8.30am - 4.00pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break), Term Time + 1 week inset with an actual salary of £18,480 per annum (£22,714 full time equivalent).

About Leigh Academy Rainham: In September 2021, we opened our doors to the 180 founding students of our co educational comprehensive school for 11-18 year olds. Already oversubscribed, our new school is firmly set to be a beacon of excellence for secondary education in Medway. The wellbeing and success of each individual child is at the heart of everything and we are driven by the belief that it is our role to ensure all pupils develop an appreciation of the limitless possibilities ahead of them. Every learner is entitled to an enriching, varied and personalised education; delivered through a broad and balanced curriculum that provides challenge, irrespective of need, starting point or background. It is our ambition that in our highly inclusive setting, all our students will flourish, becoming inquiring, compassionate and culturally aware young adults. We will work together to embed the essential skills, knowledge and attributes needed to be highly successful in achieving their own personal goals, as caring members of our community and as leaders in tomorrows world.

Our strong learning community works together and shares the value of collaboration; every member of our academy family works together to achieve success, cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Our belief in human-scale education, delivered through our college model, ensures every one of our students is known and valued. Strong pastoral care is at the heart of our academy and we place great importance on building strong partnerships with parents and carers.

Working in a brand new school is a unique opportunity. A flexible approach with a can-do ethos is required, as is drive, grit and boundless enthusiasm. We will be looking to recruit a staff body that has a multitude of talents to enable us to provide a rich academic and co-curricular offer from the outset and look forward to hearing what additional skills, talents and interests you could bring to a role at the Academy. A sense of humour is also essential!

Please click here to find out more about Leigh Academy Rainham.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st April 2024, our Trust comprises 32 geographically organised academies (16 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating more than 20,000 students and employing 3,000 talented staff. Nearly 40% of our academies are judged outstanding overall by Ofsted, versus 15% nationally. The Trust is establishing four clusters of academies: North Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the regions biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider. Our future plans are found in our Vision 2030 document available on our website.

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.

Click here to view the benefits available to all LAT employees from day one.

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Recruitment Guidance. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Our commitment to equality and diversity: As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.

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.