Hours of work: 32.5 hours per week, 08:15 - 3:15, 39 weeks per year (term-time plus 5 training days)

We currently have an opening for an enthusiastic, committed Level 2 Teaching Assistant, who thrives on helping students realise their potential, at Lincroft Academy. You will assist with the care of individuals or groups of students from the ASC (Autistic Spectrum Condition) Provision, to support their learning and development, whilst ensuring their safety and well-being.  You will have the ability to work alongside the mainstream Teaching Assistants if necessary.   

Experience of working within a similar environment would be preferred although training can be provided for an applicant wishing to gain experience in this field.

The Opportunity

• Supervise the activities of individuals or groups of children to ensure their safety and welfare.

• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students.

• Prepare the classroom for lessons as directed.

• Undertake support activities as needed, e.g., photocopying, mounting displays, filing, etc.

• Support students to understand instructions.

• Be aware of, and follow, policies and procedures, e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to the relevant person.

The ideal candidate

• Has a good educational background with GCSE or equivalent in English Language.

• Has an understanding of British Sign Language.

• Possess an understanding of the education system and how children learn.

• Has good interpersonal skills with the ability to establish excellent working relationships.

• Is skilled at developing children’s self-esteem and motivation so that they become resilient, independent learners.

• Is capable of planning intervention work, assessing the needs and achievements of children and maintaining appropriate records. 

• Has a willingness to undergo further training and development.

Benefits of working for us: 

As a multi-academy trust of 30 schools, Meridian Trust can provide a wide network of opportunities for collaboration and career development for both teaching and support staff. With an initial teaching training facility and a teaching hub network within our Trust, there are ample opportunities to both, get into teaching, and develop within the profession.  

As well as the above we also offer: 

•           Free annual eye tests 
•           Access to a free Employee Assistance Programme, offering mental health and wellbeing support  
•           Unlimited value cycle to work scheme  

To see the full range of benefits available, please visit Employee Benefits - Meridian Trust 

I am very proud to be Principal at Lincroft Academy. Within our vibrant learning community, we share a common goal; to continually strive for excellence. At Lincroft, we maintain exceptionally high expectations and standards in everything we do, ensuring that our students receive the best possible education. We commit to educating, inspiring and supporting our students so that they can become exceptional learners, confident and empowered to make a rewarding contribution to society.

Our curriculum is designed to seamlessly build upon the foundation laid in primary school, preparing our students for post-16 education. High-quality teaching enables our students to achieve very well. Lincroft Academy now has some of the highest performing GCSE outcomes in Bedford and are above the national average. While we take immense pride in our students’ achievements, we remain committed to continuous improvement.

Every child at Lincroft Academy is known, valued and supported to be the best they can be. Our foremost priority is to create a safe and nurturing environment where students thrive. We promote kindness, respect and good manners, just as families do at home, so that our students can become decent adult citizens. Students at Lincroft are well supported through our House System because they work with the same team of staff throughout their Lincroft journey. This system of support fosters belonging, ensures students are known well and strengthens relationships and communication with families. Our comprehensive Inclusion Hub allows us to provide tailored support to students, regardless of their background or needs. Working alongside each other, being supportive and caring is integral to who we are. Our partnership with parents and carers is highly valued and we know that this is an essential part of a positive educational experience for our students.

Our staff are absolutely committed to the education of our students; they are passionate, dedicated and many of them send their children here too. Some of our ex-students now teach here. This speaks volumes about the sense of community at Lincroft. The opportunities provided at Lincroft are broad and many and, even then, continue to grow; from sports to the arts, business and careers – our curriculum extends very much outside the classroom. Our students consistently excel in sports and the arts, enhancing our strong reputation in these areas.

We are proud to be part of Meridian Trust, who look after a total of 30 academies including many in Bedfordshire. We have access to extensive knowledge, expertise and resource, not just at Lincroft, but across the entire Meridian network. This broader community provides our students with additional opportunities and experiences alongside their peers from other academies. This has also opened up investment opportunities to help modernise the school building and facilities.

As a parent of two children myself, I am personally committed to ensuring that the education we deliver at Lincroft is nothing less than I would accept for my own children. Lincroft Academy is a place where every child has the opportunity to realise their potential. We warmly welcome you to our community.

Emma Appadoo, Principal

To find out more about the Trust, please visit: www.meridiantrust.co.uk

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date, reducing or extending the vacancy window, as appropriate, depending on the volume of applications received.

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion, or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The 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 will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as social media checks.