Learning Support Assistants

Gilbert Ward Academy; Blyth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Real Living Wage

CPD programmes

Bike to Work

Job summary

Gilbert Ward Academy in Blyth, Northumberland, invites applications for Learning Support Assistants to support pupils with SEMH and ASC. Opened 2023, the school provides a modern, inclusive environment and will offer dedicated roles under the Prosper Learning Trust umbrella.

You will work under the guidance of the class teacher, contributing to learning and well-being, helping pupils overcome barriers and participate fully in lessons. A path to career development is available within the Trust.

Qualifications

• Level 2 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant, Special Needs Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification OR Level 3 (or higher) qualification in any field with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing classroom support duties
• Take part in curriculum related tasks under the direction of the teacher
• Respond to pupils' social, emotional and physical needs

Skills

Teaching support

Pupil engagement

Behaviour support

Education

DfE Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification

Level 3 qualification with relevant experience

Job description

Level 2 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant, Special Needs Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification OR Level 3 (or higher) qualification in any field with relevant experience e.g. working in a classroom An ability to support the teaching of pupils with learning difficulties An understanding of the educational environment and teaching of pupils with learning difficulties As a valued member of our team, you will:

• Assist in providing classroom support duties
• Take part in curriculum related tasks under the direction of the teacher
• Respond to pupils' social, emotional and physical needs

Does this sound like the perfect fit for you? Located in Blyth, Northumberland, our academy currently serves 80 pupils. This expansion represents a unique chance for the successful candidate to play a crucial role in shaping our school's provision and establishing a lasting legacy in the field of special education. You will work under the guidance of the class teacher and the leadership team to support the teaching and learning of our pupils. You will help them to overcome barriers to learning, develop their social and emotional skills, and achieve their full potential. You will also contribute to the development of a positive and inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all our pupils. If you are ready to make a significant impact in the lives of our pupils and be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking community, we would love to hear from you., interviewers before the final selection stage; even if you indicate otherwise. Online vetting checks will be carried out for candidates who are shortlisted. Job roles, specifically for Newcastle Bridges School, that are located within The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust sites, will be subject to an additional layer of safer recruitment / pre-engagement checks managed by the NHS, under their Honorary Contract Policy. An employee of Newcastle Bridges School may be required to work across more than one site. Supporting documents LSA N4 - JD&PS.pdf (214.27 KB) Applicant Pack September 2026.pdf (0.96 MB) Applicant Privacy Notice October 2025.pdf (182.49 KB)

Gilbert Ward Academy is delighted to announce they have exciting opportunities for Learning Support Assistants to join their team. As a school that opened its doors in September 2023, we are at the forefront of providing exceptional education for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs., This is a chance to be at the heart of something truly special. Be part of our journey at Gilbert Ward Academy, where together, we can create a brighter future for our pupils. Gilbert Ward Academy is a purpose-built Department for Education (DfE) special free school designed to provide a tailored education for pupils aged 11-16 with SEMH needs and ASC. Opened recently to meet a growing demand in the region, the academy is proud to offer a modern, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment. Our facilities have been specifically designed to support the unique needs of our pupils, with specialist spaces to encourage personal growth, learning, and well-being. Located in Blyth, Northumberland, we are deeply committed to fostering resilience, independence, and aspiration in every pupil we serve. As part of Prosper Learning Trust, which supports five specialist schools in the North East, we share a commitment to empowering vulnerable young people to succeed.

Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 to help vulnerable young people succeed against the odds.

Four core values underpin everything we do as a Trust, these are Aspiration, Integrity, Resilience and Kindness. We are looking for staff who share those values and want to support our young people. The Trust currently have 5 schools in the region:

• Newcastle Bridges School - Alternative Provision academy offering education to pupils unable to access mainstream school due to medical needs including hospitalised children and young people (3-19 years)
• Mary Astell Academy - Alternative Provision academy offering education to permanently excluded pupils and pupils who are struggling in mainstream school (11-16 years)
• Thomas Bewick Special School - Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (3-19 years)
• Harry Watts Academy - Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (5-16 years)
• Gilbert Ward Academy - Special School academy for pupils with SEMH or a diagnosis of autism (11-16 years)

Benefits of working for Prosper Learning Trust

• The Trust is proud to say that we match the Real Living Wage and we also offer successful candidates:
• A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
• Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes
• Free access to a comprehensive suite of unlimited CPD opportunities through The National College
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
• Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme, each with favourable employer contribution rates.
• Employee centred policies that support you in and beyond the workplace
• Funded eye tests for DSE users (subject to T/Cs)
• Bike 2 Work scheme