IAP Teaching Assistant

The Valley Leadership Academy; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Valley Leadership Academy is a secondary school for 11 to 16-year-olds in Bacup. We joined Star Academies in 2019 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism.

We are seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to provide targeted support to pupils, helping them achieve learning goals and to participate fully in school life. Applicants should have NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant or A Level qualifications and experience with SEMH students.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent is required.
• A Level or equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Experience working with children in a school setting is desirable.
• Experience supporting students with SEMH difficulties is beneficial.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils to aid learning and development.
• Contribute to an outstanding learning environment and classroom routines.
• Develop relationships across the school and local community.

Skills

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Effective communication

Student support

Relationship building

Education

NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant

A Level or equivalent

Job description

We're looking for a dedicated individual to provide tailored support to our pupils. You will be committed to making a positive difference to young people's lives and in supporting and developing their learning. Your intervention will help enable an outstanding learning environment for our young people, providing the support they need to succeed. The successful candidate will be a committed team player with excellent organisational and technical skills. You will have the ability to effectively support learning and teaching, and to develop relationships across our school and the Star community. You will have:

• A NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant or A Level or equivalent.
• Experience of working with children in a secondary school or other setting.
• Experience of supporting students who have SEMH difficulties.
• The ability to maintain positive relationships with students, parents and staff.
• The ability to work effectively within a team.

The Valley Leadership Academy is a secondary school for 11 to 16-year-olds in Bacup. We joined Star Academies in 2019 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism.

When inspected by Ofsted under the new framework and 'report card' grading system in April 2026, the school secured its best-ever outcomes. We achieved 'Expected standard' in three areas and 'Needs attention' in the remaining three areas, reflecting the significant progress made since the previous inspection.

We are a rapidly improving school with high ambitions and expectations for all our pupils. We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader.