Job Description

Canonium Learning Trust, winner of TES Trust of the Year (9 schools or fewer) 2025, is seeking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant (including lunchtime duty) to join our team at Finchingfield St John the Baptist CE Primary Academy. This is a maternity cover contract whilst the substantive postholder is on maternity leave. This position is due to commence in December 2026.

At Finchingfield, the Montessori method is woven into every aspect of teaching and learning, shaping not only what is taught but how children experience their education each day. We are seeking to appoint a friendly, positive and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant who will support class teachers to deliver lessons that enable pupils of all abilities to flourish.

Classrooms are carefully prepared to encourage exploration,concentration, and self-directed activity, with thoughtfully designed materials that support hands-on discovery and a deep understanding of key concepts. Our school has mixed age-range classes and creates an environment where children develop academically, socially, and emotionally in a
meaningful and purposeful way.

The ideal candidate will have a patient and understanding manner, with excellent communication skills, a flexible and proactive approach, and a genuine passion for helping children reach their full potential. The role will also involve working one to one or with small groups of pupils with SEN, as well as providing lunchtime cover each day.

The LSA salary is £16,647.34 per annum working 27.5 hours per week, term time only.

The MDA salary is £1,466.55 per annum working 2.5 hours per week, term time only.

Please note that interviews will take place on the 22/23rd October 2026.

Please find enclosed the candidate pack which provides details about the role, responsibilities, and qualifications required. We encourage you to review this pack thoroughly and prepare for the next steps in our recruitment process.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our HR team at recruitment@canonium.org. We are here to support you throughout this process and look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to Canonium Learning Trust.

Information about the School

Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy is part of Canonium Learning Trust. We are a smaller than average Church of England school and are fortunate to be in a position to offer small class sizes, split across 4 classes. We are based in Finchingfield, a picturesque village just 20 minutes drive from Braintree, Dunmow and Hedingham.

The school has a rich history of providing outstanding education to its students, and is committed to the values of the Church of England in everything it does.

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.

Samina Metson, Headteacher

🔗 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