Learning Support Assistant

Teaching Vacancies; St Leonards; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local primary academy in St Leonards is seeking an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to support children's core learning in reading, writing, and mathematics. The role involves working with individual students and groups, encouraging positive social interactions and play skills during the school day. The ideal candidate will have a patient and creative approach in engaging children. This position offers a supportive environment with numerous benefits for staff.

Benefits

Automatic annual pay increments

Generous pension scheme

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Personal development day

Access to employee assistance program

Cycle to Work scheme

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and committed to supporting children's learning.
• Able to run fun and educational activities.
• Capable of encouraging confidence in children's learning.

Responsibilities

• Support individual and groups of children in their core learning.
• Encourage positive social friendships and play skills.
• Contribute to a positive learning environment.

Skills

Patient and calm demeanor

Creative approach to learning

Confidence in engaging children

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Working Pattern: Term time only (39 weeks) Hours: 27.5 hours per week, 8.45am-3.15pm Monday-Friday Actual Starting Salary (calculated pro rata): £16,373 per annum Salaries are paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Are you committed to the development and achievement of pupils? Do you take a creative approach when interacting with children?

We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and committed Teaching Assistant. In a mainly classroom-based role, you will work with colleagues to support both individual and groups of children in their core learning including reading, writing, and mathematics. You will also provide support in the playground encouraging the children's development of positive social friendships and play skills.

The successful candidate will be someone who:

• Is patient, calm and relaxed with an enthusiastic approach to learning
• Is confident in running stimulating, fun and educational activities with children
• Can build and encourage confidence in children, allowing them to lead their own learning when appropriate

Silverdale Primary Academy

Silverdale Primary Academy is a thriving academy catering to children aged 4 to 11 years. Located in the northern part of St Leonards-on-Sea, our academy boasts extensive and picturesque grounds, including large playing fields.

At Silverdale, we take pride in our outstanding facilities, which include a rainforest-themed library, a forest school outdoor learning area, and a substantial bank of ICT resources. We strive to create an environment where every individual can reach their potential, excel, pursue their ambitions, and enjoy the journey together.

To have an informal discussion about this role please contact Jonny Morris, Principal at [e-mail]

Key dates

• Closing date: 7 December 2025
• Interview date: 12 December 2025
• Proposed start date: 5 January 2026

What the school offers its staff

We truly value the experience, dedication, and commitment of all our employees and believe in the power of motivated and happy staff. This is why we seek to enrich and reward our employees wherever we can, by offering a wide range of exciting and useful employee benefits. These include:

• Automatic annual pay increments: Pay progression is not linked to performance and all our staff benefit from automatic pay progression (subject to the maximum salary for the role). Cost of living awards are also reviewed annually.
• Generous Pension: Safeguard your future with financial security throughout your retirement. Employer contribution rate of 18.9%.
• Holiday Entitlement: Take advantage of 27 days annual leave per annum (FTE), plus statutory Bank Holidays.
• Health and Wellbeing: A strong commitment to your health and wellbeing including; onsite Wellbeing Champions, designated Mental Health Ambassadors and an annual day devoted to your health and wellbeing. This day provides the opportunity to spend valuable time catching up with colleagues, as well as some ‘Time for You’ to do whatever most enhances your wellbeing.
• Personal Development Day: One day annually dedicated to your personal development which could include volunteering, training or a seminar (self-funded).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free and confidential counselling services, providing support for both work and personal issues.
• Cycle to Work: Build exercise into your commute, with our cycle-to-work programme, offering a £2K loan to purchase a bicycle.
• Retail Discount: Savings with hundreds of retailers including gym, private medical, dental and online GP service, as well as eligibility for the Blue Light Discount Scheme.

Commitment to safeguarding

The University of Brighton Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, 2020 and 2023. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.