We are seeking a committed and skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join Woodkirk Academy, with a specific focus on literacy support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work predominantly with a consistent cohort of approximately 20 identified pupils, supporting the development of reading and writing skills across the curriculum. Pupils follow the full, age-appropriate curriculum, and you will work alongside subject specialist teachers to help ensure all learners can access, engage with and achieve within high-quality classroom teaching.

In addition, you will deliver targeted academic and catch-up interventions for other pupils as required.

Woodkirk Academy is a high performing, successful, well established, fully comprehensive, co-educational 11-18 maintained Academy.  We have a proud record in academic, intellectual, social and sporting, musical, dramatic and community developments. Our latest Ofsted report noted a ‘passion and commitment to continuous improvement’ and that ‘leadership at all levels is focused on the progress of pupils.’

We enjoy an excellent reputation as an employer and our ethos and working practices are well regarded. We take pride in looking after staff and supporting everyone in their roles in order to deliver excellent education to our students.

The postholder will work 32.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, term time only plus 3 days. This post will initially be based at Woodkirk Academy.

  In return for joining us in this role we can offer:

• An opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to make a real difference to the   children within our community, whilst working within a school that fosters positivity and care.
• Access to an expanding range of lifestyle benefits including, free flu vaccinations and a cycle to work scheme.
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme providing support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – this can include telephone GP appointments, physiotherapy, counselling and wellbeing services.
• Free Parking on site
• A wide range of possibilities to develop as a professional, with access to job related learning and development opportunities across the Trust.

Leodis Academies Trust and our individual Academies are committed to ‘Forging Young Futures’. To do this, each Academy has its own ethos and identity, and has the freedom to develop individually as well as working collaboratively to secure high quality outcomes for all its young people. By providing an extensive curriculum, both within and beyond the classroom, we cater for the wide range of talent and ability that our students have to offer. We work tirelessly to improve the life chances of all our young people and support them to make a positive contribution to their community.

For a discussion regarding this vacancy, please contact Carrie Worsley, SENDCo c.worsley@woodkirk.leodis.org.uk

If your application is successful, during the interview you will be asked to use a short section of an age‑appropriate children’s book of your choice to inspire a small group of pupils who have lower‑than‑age‑expected reading ability due to difficulties with decoding, fluency and/or comprehension. The activity should enable the pupils to engage meaningfully with the content of the text. 

You may be asked why you have chosen the book and how it is appropriate for the age and needs of the group

·        Why you chose the specific part of the text you focused on.

·        How you would adapt the activity to ensure accessibility and inclusion for children with a range of SEN

·        The strategies you would use to encourage engagement, communication, and enjoyment with reading

All posts are subject to pre-employment checks, two references will be sought and successful candidates will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check (DBS), medical clearance and provide evidence of eligibility to work in the UK and evidence of qualifications.

 We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.