Learning Support Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 2NJ

14 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  ASAP

• Closing date

  24 September 2025 at 10am

• Date listed

  10 September 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Full-time equivalent salary: £16,081 - £16,336 pro rata (£25,583 - £25,989 FTE) per annum

Learning Support Assistant (Maternity Cover) job summary

‘Are you passionate about education and eager to make a lasting impact on young minds?’  

Salary: £25,583 - £25,989 FTE per annum 

Actual Salary: £16,081 - £16,336 per annum 

Contract: Fixed term (maternity cover) until 22nd May 2026, 27.5 hours per week, term time plus two days (192 working days per year) 

Start Date: ASAP 

Application Deadline: 10:00am, Wednesday 24th September 2025 

Interview Date: Week commencing 29th September 2025 

 

About the role 

We are seeking an enthusiastic, hardworking and motivated Learning Support Assistant to become part of our team at Orchard Head J, I & N School. We are looking for someone with a proactive 'can-do' attitude and a passion for making a difference. Beyond that, we are looking for an individual who demonstrates the potential to excel in their role.  

You will:  

• Support pupils’ learning and personal needs in the classroom and across the school. 
• Help prepare, plan and deliver individual and group learning activities and intervention programmes. 
• Occasionally work with pupils who have additional needs. 

Orchard Head Junior, Infant and Nursery School 

At Orchard Head, success begins with strong foundations. Our dedicated staff are committed to nurturing a lifelong love for learning in every child, empowering them to become confident, independent, and successful individuals. We take pride in our above-national Key Stage 2 attainment and progress outcomes, reflecting our unwavering focus on academic excellence. Beyond academics, our personalised development opportunities enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with memorable experiences that shape their holistic growth. Together as a school community, we celebrate our achievements and eagerly anticipate continued growth, flourishing, and success at Orchard Head. 

 

About Pontefract Academies Trust  

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve.  

We are proud of our achievements: 

• Five of our primary schools rank within the top 1% nationally for progress 
• Our secondary schools feature among the top three secondary schools in the Wakefield district. 
• 4 of our primary schools have been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted since 2024. 

 

What can we offer you?  

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:  

• For the 2025/26 academic year, we will be providing staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days.  These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals. 
• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing. 
• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities 
• Generous employer pension (West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS) 
• Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (26 - 33 days based on service and grade) + 8 statutory bank holidays, 
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance 
• Cycle to work scheme, Blue Light card, discounted gym membership    
• Free eyecare via Specsavers, childcare vouchers   
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters) 
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2  
• Free flu vaccinations. 

 

School Visits 

Potential candidates are welcome to visit our school. This is a great opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and get a feel for the vibrant community we have built here. We look forward to welcoming you and answering any questions you may have   

 

Application Process 

• Complete an application form via our website 

 

Important Links 

Pontefract Academies Trust website

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028

Orchard Head J,I&N School Website  

 

Contact Information 

• Tel 01977 722615   
• Email recruitment@orchardhead.patrust.org.uk 

  

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.  

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.  

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form. 

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 Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School

• School type: Academy, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• School size: 358 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/orchard-head-junior-and-infant-and-nursery-school

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.

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