Learning Mentor

Shorefields; Colchester; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Learning Pathways Academy Trust is seeking a Trainee Therapy Assistant to support pupils across multiple schools in Colchester. The role offers a two-year fixed-term development programme with clinical supervision from an Occupational Therapist and structured therapy plans.

The post involves 37 hours per week over 39 weeks per year, regular DBS checks, and safeguarding commitments. Ideal backgrounds include Learning Support or Teaching Assistants with an interest in future therapy careers.

Qualifications

• Experience in schools or with children beneficial.
• Interest in paediatric therapeutic support and education.
• Willingness to undergo safeguarding checks and DBS clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support children with sensory, physical, developmental and emotional needs through structured therapy programmes.
• Work across White Hall Academy, Lyons Hall Primary School and Braiswick Primary School under supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
• Assist in delivering hands-on therapeutic activities and maintain portfolio evidence for progression.

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC2100-202S Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: Scale 5

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time/Part-time Contract Term: Fixed

Application Close: 03/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: TBA

Advance Your Career into Paediatric Therapeutic Support

• Role Title: Trainee Therapy Assistant
• Salary: Scale 5
• Contract: Fixed-Term Two-Year Development Programme
• Reporting To: CEO (under the clinical supervision of a contracted Occupational Therapist)
• Working Schedule: 37 hours per week - 39 weeks per year
• Annual Leave: 5.7 weeks per annum during school closure periods
• Locations: White Hall Academy, Lyons Hall Primary School and Braiswick Primary School
• Clinical Partner: Contracted Occupational Therapist

Overview of the Role

Are you passionate about supporting children to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential?

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic and reflective individual to join our schools as a Trainee Therapy Assistant. This exciting developmental opportunity is ideal for Learning Support Assistants, Teaching Assistants, SEND practitioners or individuals interested in a potential future career in Occupational Therapy, Therapy Assistance or therapeutic support services.

Working across our schools, you will support children with a range of sensory, physical, developmental and emotional needs through structured therapy programmes designed and supervised by a qualified Occupational Therapist.

This role provides hands-on experience of therapeutic practice alongside high-quality supervision, clinical guidance and professional development opportunities. Over the two-year programme, you will build your skills and confidence in supporting pupils through therapeutic approaches whilst developing a portfolio of evidence to support potential future progression opportunities.

Please read the Job Specification for full details of the course content and expectations of the role.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be required to complete:

• Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Continuous registration with the DBS Update Service.
• Pre-employment safeguarding and recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education

Information about the School

Braiswick Primary is the third school of the Learning Pathways Academy Trust which also includes Lyons Hall Primary in Braintree and White Hall Academy in Clacton-On-Sea. Our school, alongside the other schools in the Trust, aims to inspire our children to achieve well, have very high aspirations and to be valuable, well-rounded and happy members of their community.

The Learning Pathways Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references, including one from their most recent employer. All appointments are made subject to rigorous pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

In line with recommended practice in the statutory guidance "Keeping Children Safe in Education", the school will conduct searches for information on shortlisted candidates which is publicly available on-line. The purpose is limited:

• to identify issues which call into question the applicant's suitability to work with children.
• to verify employment history.

Only information related for the purposes stated will be shared with the Panel. Any information will be discussed with candidates at interview before any decisions regarding the recruitment process are made.

The school reserves the right to close the vacancy early.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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SEND LSA

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SEN LSA - Part time

Abacus Primary School, Wickford Closing: 16/10/2026 Midday