Learning Support Assistant (55BC)

Merrydale Junior School, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE5 0PL

18 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  03 November 2025

• Closing date

  20 October 2025 at 12:59am

• Date listed

  2 October 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time, full time
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Full-time equivalent salary: £25,191.00 - £25,590.00 Annually (FTE) Actual Starting Salary Approx £16,018

Learning Support Assistant (55BC) job summary

Fixed Term Learning Support Assistant ( Maternity Cover)

Merrydale Junior Primary School

Salary: Grade 5 Pay Point 7-8 (Approximate starting salary of £16,018)
Hours: 27.5 hours per week and 39 weeks per year. ( 38 weeks per year plus additional week including INSET days)
Contract Type: Fixed term post covering a colleague on maternity leave for one year until 03 November 2026

Working Pattern: Monday -Friday 08:45-15:15, with one hour unpaid lunch break

About the Role

Are you passionate about supporting children’s learning and wellbeing? Merrydale Junior School is looking for a caring, enthusiastic, and highly motivated Learning Support Assistant to work alongside our dedicated teaching team. You will play a key role in fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, ensuring all pupils can reach their full potential.

Why Choose Merrydale Junior School?

Merrydale Junior School is a very special place. Visitors often comment positively on the children’s warm welcome, their enthusiasm and also on staff’s commitment and dedication. We understand the power of education and take very seriously our duty to give children the best start in life.

At Merrydale we aim to provide a safe, caring learning environment for all working together with you as families and the community whilst delivering a broad, balanced and creative curriculum celebrating the diversity of our world.

Our school motto is ‘Be the Best You Can Be’ and we strive to embed this attitude in all aspects of our school -adults and children alike.

Our Achievements to date

• Rated Ofsted ‘Good’ October 2019 Anti-Bullying Award

• Digital School House

• Platinum School Games Mark

• Microsoft Showcase School

• Tiny Forest Member

• Girls County Cricket Finalists 2022 and 2023

‘Working with a number of subject specialists across the trust has allowed me, as an early career teacher, to gain access to a number of opportunities, training and support in the starting years of my career, helping me to become the best I can be at Merrydale.’ - Class Teacher

Key Responsibilities

• Support teachers in preparing and delivering engaging lessons.
• Assist individuals and small groups with learning activities.
• Provide feedback on pupil engagement and progress.
• Encourage positive behaviour and emotional development.
• Prepare and use learning materials, including ICT resources.
• Help create stimulating classroom displays.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Supporting Teaching and Learning (or equivalent) OR ability to meet STL Level 2 National Occupational Standards.
• Experience: Previous experience supporting teaching and learning in a school setting.
• Skills & Knowledge:
  • Understanding of child protection and health & safety procedures.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to motivate and engage students.
  Why Join Us?

  Professional Growth & Support

  • Ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
  • Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.

  Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

  • Flexible working options.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
  • Defined benefit pension scheme.

  Additional Perks

  • Free parking, cycle-to-work scheme, and gym discounts.
  • Eyecare vouchers, dental support, and retail discounts.
  • Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.
  Equal Opportunities & Diversity

  We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
  Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.

  Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

  About Discovery Schools Trust

  Discovery Schools Trust is committed to improving learning by fostering a culture of excellence. We prioritise children’s needs, teacher development, and innovative school improvement to ensure success across all our schools.

  Safeguarding Commitment

  Discovery is dedicated to safeguarding pupils. The successful applicant must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide references.

  Apply Now
  If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today. Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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.

About Merrydale Junior School

• School type: Academy, ages 7 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• School size: 359 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 7 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Merrydale Junior School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/merrydale-junior-school

We are a friendly community school, where families are encouraged to learn together and give their children the confidence to succeed. Visitors often comment positively on the children’s warm welcome, their enthusiasm and also on staff’s commitment and dedication. We understand the power of education and take very seriously our duty to give your children the best start in life.

Our school is part of the Discovery Schools Academies Trust. Discovery Schools Academy 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 is 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.

School location

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