Job Description
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Voluntary Real Living Wage or NJC Scale 3-5 + well-being cash plan + LGPS pension scheme + additional Lift Schools benefits
Without a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification: Voluntary Real Living Wage - £18,316.55 per annum
With a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification: NJC Scale 3-5
30.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
Permanent, Full Time
September 2026 start
We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our team at Lift Hamford. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference by supporting pupils within The Ark, our specialist Autism Hub, and helping them achieve their full potential.
Lift Hamford is a vibrant school within the Lift Schools network, rated 'Good' (November 2022), serving our coastal community. We are proud to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where high-quality teaching and learning is at the heart of everything we do. Our staff work collaboratively to ensure all pupils thrive academically and personally.
This role is based within The Ark, where you will support autistic pupils to access learning, develop independence and achieve positive outcomes. Working closely with teachers, the SENDCo and wider school team, you will help create a structured, nurturing and inclusive environment that enables pupils to flourish both academically and socially.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have experience of supporting children and young people with autism and who understand the importance of adapting learning, communication and behaviour support strategies to meet individual needs.
This role is suitable for someone who is passionate about supporting children to succeed. We welcome applications from experienced Learning Support Assistants and Teaching Assistants, as well as those looking to develop their career in education.
You will:
- Support pupils' learning within The Ark Autism Hub, both in the classroom and through targeted interventions
- Work closely with teachers to deliver engaging learning experiences and help pupils make strong progress
- Support autistic pupils to develop communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence skills
- Build positive relationships with pupils, encouraging confidence, resilience and self-esteem
- Use personalised strategies and interventions to support pupils with a range of learning, communication and sensory needs
- Contribute to creating a safe, structured, inclusive and positive learning environment
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents and carers to support the best outcomes for pupils
- Contribute to the wider life of the school
What we offer:
We value the skills and dedication of our teaching assistants. To support the best outcomes for our students, we require a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent). If you don't yet hold this qualification, don't worry! We'll invest in your development by enrolling you in our Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Programme, helping you gain the behaviours, skills and experience you need to thrive in the role.
We would love to show you around and talk about this opportunity. For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Sarah Hitches, School Operations Manager, at shitches@lifthamford.org or call 01255 673415.
Closing date: 5th July 2026
Who is Lift Schools?
We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 58 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.
We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:
- Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Information about the School
Lift Hamford, part of Lift Schools is a welcoming two-form entry school in the coastal town of Walton-on-the-Naze. We are committed to giving every child the very best opportunities to thrive, with high-quality learning at the heart of everything we do.
Our vision is to unlock potential, nurture curiosity, and instil a lifelong love of learning. We want every child to feel inspired, supported and challenged developing the skills and confidence to succeed in the modern world while creating lasting memories.
Hamford continues to grow and evolve. We are proud to have a new nursery for 2–4 year olds and facilities that include a modern building for upper Key Stage 2, a dedicated Wellbeing Hub, extensive outdoor grounds, and an Autism Support Centre funded by Essex County Council.
Our strong team culture is central to our success. With passionate teachers, skilled teaching assistants in every year group, and a committed leadership team, pupils are at the heart of every decision we make. Staff benefit from supportive colleagues, professional development opportunities, and a working environment that values wellbeing and collaboration.
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
Our mission:
-We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
-With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
-We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.