PolyMAT is a small and ambitious MAT with a unique family feel that is seeking a Learning Support Assistant for their DSP Unit at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys. Our vision is ‘Success for Everyone’, and the successful candidate will help deliver this for our schools. We currently have three schools in our Trust: Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, a long-successful boys school; Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, which opened in 2019; and Bannockburn Primary School, a large successful primary that joined the Trust on 1st November 2023. We also have our flourishing Sixth Form provision, which is co-educational. Our Trust and our schools pride themselves on a culture of high standards delivered through our Values of Care and Unity. We provide a rewarding environment where students and staff feel valued and supported, and everyone feels part of the larger family as our schools and departments work very closely together.

We are looking for a reliable and committed Learning Support Assistant for Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys to support within our Designated Specialist Provision Unit. The ideal applicant will have experience working with students with Autism and/or Moderate Learning Difficulties, along with the qualities, skills, and drive necessary to fulfil this role. The successful candidate will work under the overall supervision of the Head of DSP and under the guidance of the HLTA.

Woolwich Poly DSP is for students with an EHCP and a diagnosis of Autism and Moderate Learning Difficulties. The aim is to provide students with the best possible learning environment to meet their individual needs, helping them develop social and independent skills and gain qualifications relevant to their next steps.

• ·         The DSP is a nurturing environment where we support DSP students to transition into a secondary mainstream environment and become part of the school community.
• ·         Develop communication, interaction, and social skills with peers.
• ·         Access the curriculum with support.
• ·         Develop independence.
• ·         Develop literacy and numeracy skills.
• ·         Develop life skills.
• ·         Gain appropriate qualifications for future education and employment.

• ·         Access the local community.

Applicants must have previous experience working within either a primary or specialist setting, specifically with students with Autism or Moderate Learning Difficulties. The ideal candidate will be adaptable, flexible, able to work within a team, and also on their own initiative, and should have a great sense of humor!

As a member of the PolyMAT staff, we can offer you:

• ·         Opportunities for career progression.
• ·         Access to apprenticeship training.
• ·         Excellent professional development.
• ·         A contributory pension scheme.
• ·         Opportunities to collaborate with outstanding and dynamic teaching professionals.
• ·         Access to various discounts for a small monthly fee.
• ·         An employee assistance programme.
• ·         Season ticket loans.
• ·         Excellent catering facilities.
• ·         Cycle2Work Scheme.
• ·         Secure on-site parking.
• ·         Free daily coffee for staff.

PolyMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offer of employment is subject upon the Academy Trust receiving an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (DBS), which the Academy considers to be satisfactory. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post you are applying for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and it is therefore an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. 

In accordance with KCSIE 2024, shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online profile and social media check.

PolyMAT is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination, and providing opportunities for people with disabilities. We are an inclusive Trust that strives to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We aspire to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of circumstances or background, has the opportunity to be the best version of themselves through our vision of ‘Success for Everyone’.

For any potential applicants, we encourage you to inform us of any additional support or adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process. We have an open approach to support for candidates with disabilities and recognize that reasonable adjustments may be required based on each individual's needs.

Sharing your needs with us ahead of the interview allows us to fully support you and ensure you are not disadvantaged during the process. We welcome candidates to contact us at any point should you feel uncomfortable declaring a disability, to reassure you that we are here to support. Please contact hr@polymat.co.uk if this is the case.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 12 January. Interviews will be scheduled to take place shortly after.

Suitable candidates will be interviewed promptly upon receipt of application. The closing date will be brought forward in the event that the post is filled.