Job Description

We are seeking a compassionate, experienced, and proactive Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join our dedicated team. This role will primarily be supporting a child who has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) though there will also be a requirement to work alongside several pupils' with additional needs within a whole class setting for part of the day. Outside of the classroom this role will include supporting designated children through their lunch break.

You will play a key role in helping to deliver the individualised provision outlined in the child's EHCP, supporting their social, emotional, and academic development within a nurturing and inclusive environment.

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will be working under the direction of the SENDCo. Your role will involve working alongside our wider teaching team to create a nurturing and structured environment.

We are looking for an individual who is eager to learn, implement innovative strategies and demonstrate patience and empathy in their practice. In order to be successful in this role you must have previous demonstrable experience of working alongside children with ASD and behavioural needs in either a 1:1 or whole class capacity and with a proven record of motivating pupils'. The appointed candidate will also demonstrate the confidence to support small groups of children as required.

The ideal candidate will be adaptable, organised with strong communication skills. As a small school a commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues is also essential to excel in this role.

There is scope that this role may incorporate support with personal care, as such you should be happy to provide this. If this is required the pay rate will be re-evaluated and an uplift applied.

We warmly welcome visits to the school, where you will have the opportunity to meet our Head of School, Mr Asbridge, and gain further insight into our vision and approach. If you are passionate about making a difference in children's lives and believe you have the skills and dedication we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm. Actual salary starts at £19,570 per annum. This role is to start on 1st September 2026 on a fixed-term basis ending 31st August 2030.

Information about the School

Ardleigh St Mary's Primary Academy, part of Canonium Learning Trust, is a small village primary Church of England school located between Manningtree and Colchester.

Influenced by the Church of England's vision to educate for 'life in all its fullness' (John 10:10), our focus on wisdom prioritises the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, moral and social development of our children. We aim to inspire wisdom with a golden thread of deep knowledge, critical thinking, strong communication and exciting learning opportunities running consistently throughout our curriculum.

Ultimately, we want our pupils to leave our academy as knowledgeable, thoughtful and articulate individuals, who are equipped with the cultural capital to thrive in our evolving world and society. By working together, we ensure our pupils are supported and challenge to nurture a keen mind, a willingness to question and the ability to make right choices, so that they are prepared for secondary school and beyond.

As a proud Church of England school, our vision and all that we do is underpinned by our core and Christian values:

Respect and reverence – we have regard for the feelings, wishes and rights of others Caring and compassion – we display kindness and concern for others Cooperation and service – we work together Perseverance and endurance – we keep going until we achieve success Honesty and virtue – we tell the truth Responsibility and trust – we are accountable for all our actions

Our staff team and I would be delighted to welcome you and look forward to sharing what makes our school unique.

Martin Hawrylak, CEO

To learn more about Canonium Learning Trust - a Church of England Multi Academy Trust in Essex - please visit: https://www.canonium.org/multi-academy-trust-in-essex