About this Role
We are looking to appoint a teaching assistant to work in our Specialist Resource Provision.
Our provision is for children (EYFS, KS1 and KS2) with communication and language needs. This is an outcome of Walsall’s Specialist Provision Review. You will be working alongside teachers and support staff in other SRPs as we develop them across Walsall – with significant training and development. This is a real opportunity to shape the future of SEND provision in Walsall.
Our school is part of the Lighthouse Multi-Academy Trust, a group of 9 strong schools across Walsall, all graded ‘good’ (OFSTED). We have developed an excellent network of collaborative practice with a strong focus on staff development. We are a fully inclusive school (and MAT) and enjoy the challenge of meeting the needs of every child in a unique way.
You need resilience, strength of character and a professional curiosity in order to support our children’s needs which can be many and varied, as this role is working specifically in our Specialist Learning Provision.
For this role, we are ideally interested in finding teaching assistants with experience of, or training in, the Principles of Nurture as advocated by Nurture Group UK. Ideally, you should have a working knowledge of Attachment and Trauma in children and how adverse childhood experiences can create a barrier to learning. You will advocate the belief that every behaviour is a communication of an unmet need.
Main Responsibilities (see attached job description for further details):
Applications are invited from candidates who:
Enjoy motivating and exciting children about learning
Have working knowledge and experience of working with children with ADHD, ASD, SLD and MLD
Love working as part of a team
Are able to use their own initiative, thinking creatively
Are skilled at using teacher’s planning to deliver in class support, individual and small group intervention
Are able to support children to be independent learners
Are keen to develop themselves and others
Are imaginative, energetic, enthusiastic and hardworking
Nurture and encourage children to fulfil their potential
Have at least NVQ Level 2 in teaching assistance or equivalent
Have GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English and Mathematics
We can offer:
Enthusiastic, highly motivated, happy children and families
A strong dedicated team, who are committed to maintaining high standards whilst still having fun!
A structured programme of CPD, working closely with colleagues in our federated schools
At The Lighthouse Multi Academy Trust, we put children first, pioneering excellence and championing each and every child. All our academies, ranging from a small infant school to large primary schools, work collaboratively, sharing resources and expertise. Find out more about The Lighthouse Multi Academy Trust and the location of our academies at: www.lhmat.com
If you are interested in this vacancy and would like to arrange a discussion with the Academy, or have a tour, please contact recruitment@stjames.lhmat.com
At The Lighthouse Multi Academy Trust, we take the wellbeing and mental health of our staff seriously which is why we are committed to regular reviews of staff well-being and reducing staff workload. We create bespoke career pathways for every member of staff, identifying and growing talent, with outstanding professional development opportunities at every stage of your career.
We also have an Employee Assistance Programme with a range of resources to support wellbeing which is available to all employees and their immediate family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
What we offer you:
A friendly, dedicated staff team who believe in teamwork and building positive relationships across the school, the Trust and in the local community.
High quality development programme with induction programmes for all new staff.
Excellent CPD opportunities
Annual conferences with keynote speakers.
Access to professional coaching.
A supportive and collaborative working ethos, including support from the Trust’s Central Executive Team and a range of experts, such as specialists in pupil welfare, SEND and behaviour.
Access to Employee Assistance Programme including free counselling.
Access to discounts through our Reward partner Perkbox.
Only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. References will be requested for those shortlisted only and prior to interview. In line with Keeping children safe in education 2025 online searches will be completed as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates, searching online content that is publicly available for inappropriate online content that may suggest that a shortlisted candidate may not be suitable to work with children, or that may harm the reputation of the school. If any issues of concern come up in online searches, shortlisted candidates will have an opportunity to address these at interview. An Enhanced DBS certificate will be required on provisional offer, including a check of the Children’s Barred List. Further vetting checks, in line with the requirements of Keeping children safe in education 2025 will be completed following a provisional offer of appointment. Where applicable, if an applicant with a provisional offer of employment has lived and/or worked outside the UK, they will be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct.
The Lighthouse Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure and other employment checks. Our school Safeguarding Policy for one of our Trust schools is attached for reference.
Charlotte Cullen
01543452328
recruitment@stjames.lhmat.com
