Learning Support Unit lead

Ninestiles, an Academy; Fox Hollies; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff wellbeing initiatives

Career progression

CPD opportunities

Job summary

Ninestiles, an Academy, is seeking a highly motivated Inclusion Team member to raise achievement and wellbeing for learners within our Learning Support Unit. You will work under the guidance of the Assistant Principal, Senior Leadership Team and collaborate with teaching colleagues to support learners academically and socially.

You will support Year 11 to gain strong GCSEs, engage with parents, and build rapport with learners and staff.

Qualifications

• Must have a relevant qualification for supporting young people in education (HLTA, NVQ, teaching degree or equivalent).
• Ability to interact well with learners and teachers in a culture built on mutual trust and respect.
• Experience in pastoral support and ability to work independently as required.

Responsibilities

• Gatekeep the provision and build rapport with learners and stakeholders.
• Undertake 1:1 and small group interventions to raise achievement and wellbeing.
• Direct colleagues and work with minimal supervision in a busy academy.
• Support Year 11 GCSE progress and help make complex texts accessible for Year 7 learners.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

IT literacy

Pastoral care

Communication with parents

Education

HLTA qualification

NVQ

Teaching degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summit Learning Trust Mission Statement

Success through Endeavour

Ambition through Challenge

Strength through Diversity

Following the promotion of the current post-holder, Ninestiles, an Academy is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic person to join our award-winning Inclusion Team To work under the guidance of the Assistant Principal, Senior Leadership Team and in collaboration with teaching colleagues to raise achievement and progress academically and socially for learners within our Learning Support Unit.You will be a key part in further developing the quality of professional thought that Ninestiles is recognised for in the wider education system. You will have the opportunity to undertake additional qualficiations at Level 5 or above as part of our commitment to professional development for all our colleagues.

This provision supports learners with their mental and physical health and wellbeing needs; provides a ‘quiet space’ for learners with EHCPs; and provides learners with Emotional Based School Avoidance the means to be reintegrated into our academy in a low arousal way. It is an integral part of our Enhanced Provision offer in line with recent government guidance. It is not a behaviour unit, or an isolation room. You will be a calm but commanding presence in the academy able to gatekeep the provision; build rapport and develop relationships with stakeholders; and undertake 1:1 and small group interventions. You will also be able to direct colleagues and be used to lone and independent working. You will thrive under friendly professional pressure.

We require all of our team to demonstrate the academic ability to support our Year 11s to gain strong GCSEs and make complex texts accessible to Year 7s - some of whom are working at KS1 levels; we expect true partnerships with parents and the confidence to facilitate these independently; you need to be able to work at pace in a fast-paced environment producing consistently high quality work. Your pastoral work will be excellent and you will be confident being the first point of contact for parents in need of support. Optimism and consistency will be your core performance virtues. You will be both IT literate and IT confident. You will be assured in challenging colleagues to undertake their best endeavours for all learners, recognising excellence and challenging when standards of excellence are yet to be met.

You must have a relevant qualification for supporting young people in education (ie HLTA qualification, NVQ, teaching degree or equivalent).

You must also be able to show your ability to interact well with learners and teachers alike in a culture built on the values of mutual trust and respect. We are seeking an individual who can positively contribute to the team and who is committed to supporting, inspiring, and engaging our learners to achieve the best possible outcomes.

At interview we will explore your ability to develop rapport with learners, and we will explore your personal engagement with reading, especially at a level reflective of the needs of GCSE study.

About our Academy

Ninestiles, an Academy, is proud to be recognised as the TES Inclusive School of the Year 2025, celebrating our commitment to creating a welcoming, diverse, and high-achieving environment for all learners.

Following our most recent Ofsted inspection in November 2024, we were praised for taking effective action to maintain the high standards previously identified, reaffirming our status as a ‘Good’ school. Inspectors highlighted that our learners thrive both socially and academically, showing genuine respect for others’ differences - a reflection of our inclusive ethos and high aspirations.

Our pastoral care is a cornerstone of our success, with highly effective support systems and a staff team that holds consistently high expectations for every learner. At Ninestiles, we focus on securing strong academic outcomes and on preparing learners to become active, responsible citizens.

Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed by our collaborative leadership team and colleagues across Summit Learning Trust to offer breadth and balance. Learners benefit from a wide range of subjects at Key Stage 3, laying the foundation for informed choices at Key Stage 4, where options are tailored to their interests and abilities.

Beyond the classroom, our vibrant enrichment programme is a real strength of the school. With over 70 clubs and activities - including sport, music, art, drama, and debating - students are encouraged to explore their passions and develop new skills.

Join us at Ninestiles and be part of a school where inclusion, ambition, and opportunity go hand in hand

Why Join Summit Learning Trust?

• A welcoming, supportive, and inclusive working environment
• Commitment to your professional development with high quality CPD opportunities and career progression.
• Access to staff wellbeing initiatives and a wide range of employee benefits.
• The chance to make a meaning impact on the lives of young people

Interviews to be held shortly after the closing date

We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and communities. Summit Learning Trust is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to thrive.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all colleagues to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, including a Children’s Barred List check., and online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates. Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is available to view here. If you require the application form in a different format, please contact [e-mail].