Learning Assistant - Fixed Term 2nd November 2026 to 21st July 2027

The Methodist Church in Britain; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous public sector pension

Generous annual leave allocation

Automatic pay progression

Free 24/7 employee assistance program

Free digital wellbeing companion

CPD and apprenticeships

Family friendly policies and time off

Comprehensive benefits marketplace

Job summary

Purple Oaks Academy is recruiting a fixed-term Learning Assistant from November 2026 to July 2027 to support students with autism and/or severe learning difficulties. The role focuses on communicating in various ways, recognising that behaviour is a form of communication.

Classes of six to ten students will be tailored to individual needs and sensory differences, across a 37-hour week across 39 weeks per year.

Qualifications

• Enhanced DBS disclosure
• Satisfactory medical check
• Satisfactory references
• Right to work in the UK evidenced before employment starts
• Commitment to helping pupils communicate in different ways
• High aspirations for the children supported

Responsibilities

• Support students to communicate in a range of different ways
• Support children with initiative and professional curiosity
• Help students reach high standards of achievement and engagement
• Build relationships with each student as an individual
• Work as part of a team

Skills

Behaviour as communication

Communication skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Organisational skills

Professional curiosity

Job description

Purple Oaks Academy, a special academy for 3 to 18 year olds with autism and/or severe learning difficulties, is recruiting a fixed-term Learning Assistant from November 2026 to July 2027. The post centres on helping students communicate in a range of ways, on the view that all behaviour is communication. Classes of six to ten suit a role shaped around each student's individual needs and sensory differences, over 37 hours a week for 39 weeks a year. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

What the job involves

• Support students to communicate in a range of different ways
• Support children with initiative and professional curiosity
• Help students reach high standards of achievement and engagement
• Build relationships with each student as an individual
• Work as part of a team

Skills & knowledge

• Understanding that all behaviour is communication
• Commitment to supporting students to communicate in different ways
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Use of initiative and professional curiosity
• Strong organisational skills

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS disclosure
• Satisfactory medical check
• Satisfactory references
• Right to work in the UK, evidenced before employment starts

Other

• Ability to relate to and engage a wide range of students
• Commitment to high standards of achievement and engagement
• High aspirations for the children supported

Nice to have

• Experience of working with children with special educational needs

What's offered

• Generous public sector pension
• Generous annual leave allocation
• Automatic pay progression
• Free 24/7 employee assistance programme
• Free digital wellbeing companion
• CPD, apprenticeships and professional review
• Family friendly policies and time off for dependants
• Comprehensive benefits marketplace