Why Choose Ash Field Academy?

Working at Ash Field Academy offers you the chance to be part of an exceptionally supportive environment, working with children who are eager to learn, and staff who are dedicated to providing outstanding education and support. Our pupils never fail to astound us with their exemplary behaviour, kindness, and determination.

We have a strong leadership team committed to honest self-evaluation and continual improvement. They bring a wealth of skills to provide both challenge and support.

At Ash Field, we are committed to professional development for all staff. We have a long history of successful involvement in ITT, ECT, and NPQ programmes across the city and region through our outreach work. Our strong induction and CPD programme positively impacts motivation and effectiveness, fostering a climate for learning that benefits both pupils and staff.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and provide specialist support to pupils with identified disabilities, SEN, sensory impairments, and complex needs to access a broad and balanced curriculum by modifying and adapting learning activities as appropriate.
• Support the special education and personal social wellbeing of pupils by adapting and differentiating activities to enable them to access the curriculum under the direction and guidance of teachers or advisory staff.
• Assess, record, and report on development, progress, and attainment using detailed specialist knowledge.
• Support parents to understand their children’s complex needs and provide sound advice regarding their child’s education.
• Provide appropriate supervision to individuals or groups in various settings, including school, pupils' home environments, or units, monitoring their conduct and behaviour.

What You Could Bring to the Role:

• Relevant Level 2 Qualifications or Equivalent
  Relevant qualifications are desirable, but not all essential. You do not need to hold every listed qualification to apply. Having one suitable Level 2 teaching assistant or childcare qualification such as the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools, or GCSEs/Functional Skills in English and Maths is sufficient.
  While accredited certifications are highly desirable, we place greater value on practical experience, a positive attitude, and personal qualities such as patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn. SEN‑specific training is beneficial but not required at the point of application.

• Experience Working with Children
  Experience can come from a school, club, youth group, childcare setting, or voluntary role. What matters is your confidence in supporting children and your understanding of their diverse needs.

• Awareness of Key Learning Areas
  An understanding of at least one curriculum or specialist area such as English, Maths, Science, SEN, Early Years, or Key Stage 3 literacy or numeracy strategies.

• The Ability to Use Initiative and Work Independently
  Someone who can organise tasks, support learning activities, and work proactively within a team.

• Strong Interpersonal and Supportive Skills
  The ability to build positive relationships with children and adults, demonstrating empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in supporting pupils with additional needs.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached to support your application.

What We Offer:

• Support for continuous professional development
• Opportunities to visit other organisations for professional learning
• Highly committed and motivated team
• A role that makes a real difference while having fun
• Free on‑site car parking (we have a limited number of spaces are available due to our central location next to Leicester General Hospital)
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale range
• A defined benefit pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Employee self-service portal
• Eyecare voucher scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retail discounts
• Dental support
• Gym discount
• Be part of a wider community within the Discovery Schools Trust
• Excellent opportunities for personal and career development
• Support from an established Central Services Team

More About Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note: Interviews for this position may be conducted earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly to ensure consideration and increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.