Learning Support Assistant
Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 2NJ14 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 June 2026
Closing date
15 May 2026 at 10am
Date listed
1 May 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 1, Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Part time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £25,584.00 - 25,989.00 FTE (actual salary £16,082 - £16,336) per annum
Learning Support Assistant job summary
Make a difference every day - join our fantastic team at Orchard Head!
A rewarding role at the heart of our school community
Join our friendly team at Orchard Head! We’re looking for a caring and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to support pupils in the classroom and help create a positive learning environment. Whether you’re new to working in education or looking for a fresh start, we’ll support you every step of the way with full training and support - no school experience required.
What you’ll do:
- Support pupils individually or in small groups
- Assist teachers with learning activities, interventions and classroom tasks
- Encourage positive pupil behaviour and active engagement in lessons
- Support pupil’s wellbeing and promote inclusion across the school
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with children, is patient and supportive, and wants to contribute to an inspiring and nurturing school environment.
A role where you can truly make a difference
This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a compassionate and dedicated team who work together to ensure that learning is engaging and rewarding for all pupils. If you are enthusiastic, reliable and committed to helping pupils achieve their best, we would love to hear from you.
Contract details:
- Permanent position available
- 27.5 hours per week
- Term time plus 2 days (192 working days per year)
- Monday - Friday to be worked between the hours of 8:30 to 3:30 final times to be discussed at interview.
Ready to apply?
To apply, complete an application form via our website.
About Orchard Head J, I & N School
Orchard Head is a caring and friendly school where children are polite, enthusiastic and lovely to work with. We’re proud of our strong academic results, but just as proud of the warm, supportive atmosphere that helps every child grow in confidence and enjoy their time at school.
Our staff often talk about how valued and supported they feel, and how positive and welcoming the school community is. Orchard Head is a place where teamwork really matters and where everyone plays a part in helping children have the best school experience.
If you enjoy working with children and want to join a kind, supportive team, Orchard Head is a fantastic place to be.
For further information about our school, please visit our website.
What can we offer you?
Be part of a team that values your wellbeing, development and work–life balance. As a member of our school community, you’ll benefit from:
- Pension scheme: Access to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with a generous employer contribution.
- Training and development: Supportive on-the-job training and opportunities to develop your skills and confidence working with children.
- Wellbeing support: Free flu vaccinations, free eyecare via Specsavers, and access to a wellbeing package offering physiotherapy and support for health, finance and personal matters.
- Family friendly policies: Policies designed to support work–life balance, including flexible approaches to term‑time working.
- Cycle to Work scheme: Savings on a bike and accessories while promoting a healthy, greener commute.
- Discounts and rewards: Access to discounts including Blue Light Card, gym memberships and major retailers.
You can find more information about staff benefits and what it’s like to work with us in the ‘Working for Us’ booklet and on our website.
About Pontefract Academies Trust
Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase multi-academy trust comprising of nine local schools: seven primary and two secondary, committed to providing the very best education for our children.
We are also excited to be merging with Ark Schools on 1 September 2026. This partnership will strengthen the support we offer our pupils and staff, while creating new opportunities for collaboration and professional development across both trusts. Please click here to find out more about the Pontefract Academies Trust and Ark Schools merger.
We are proud of the positive culture across our schools. In the 2025 Edurio Staff Survey, we were ranked in the top 10 trusts nationally for staff satisfaction and received several awards recognising our supportive and values driven working environment. Our staff tell us they feel valued, listened to and part of a team that makes a real difference every day.
We’re excited for the future and hope you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.
Further information
Contact us on 01977 723495 or email recruitment@orchardhead.patrust.org.uk
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School
- School type
- Academy, ages 3 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 358 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
At Orchard Head J, I & N School, we aspire to be a happy, vibrant and successful school. We believe in laying the foundations on which children can build their futures. Our staff work hard to instill an early love for learning; they aim to capture and nurture it, enabling our children to grow into confident, independent and successful individuals.
School location
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