Learning Support Assistants
Gilbert Ward Academy, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2TS17 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
19 June 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
2 June 2026
Job details
Job role
- Learning support or cover supervisor
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Part time: 33.50 hours per week, term time + 5 additional training days
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- N4 SCP 7-9 FTE: £26,403 - £27,254 £20,526 - £21,188 actual salary pro-rata (£13.69 - £14.13 per hour)
What skills and experience we're looking for
This role is perfect for a positive and professional individual with:
- Level 2 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant, Special Needs Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification OR Level 3 (or higher) qualification in any field with relevant experience e.g. working in a classroom
- An ability to support the teaching of pupils with learning difficulties
- An understanding of the educational environment and teaching of pupils with learning difficulties
What the school offers its staff
Benefits of working for Prosper Learning Trust
- The Trust is proud to say that we match the Real Living Wage and we also offer successful candidates:
- A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
- Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes
- Free access to a comprehensive suite of unlimited CPD opportunities through The National College
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
- Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme, each with favourable employer contribution rates.
- Employee centred policies that support you in and beyond the workplace
- Funded eye tests for DSE users (subject to T/Cs)
- Bike 2 Work scheme
Further information about the job
Are you seeking a new challenge?
Gilbert Ward Academy is delighted to announce they have exciting opportunities for Learning Support Assistants to join their team. As a school that opened its doors in September 2023, we are at the forefront of providing exceptional education for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
This role is perfect for a positive and professional individual with:
- Level 2 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant, Special Needs Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification OR Level 3 (or higher) qualification in any field with relevant experience e.g. working in a classroom
- An ability to support the teaching of pupils with learning difficulties
- An understanding of the educational environment and teaching of pupils with learning difficulties
As a valued member of our team, you will:
- Assist in providing classroom support duties
- Take part in curriculum related tasks under the direction of the teacher
- Respond to pupils’ social, emotional and physical needs
Does this sound like the perfect fit for you?
Located in Blyth, Northumberland, our academy currently serves 80 pupils. This expansion represents a unique chance for the successful candidate to play a crucial role in shaping our school’s provision and establishing a lasting legacy in the field of special education.
You will work under the guidance of the class teacher and the leadership team to support the teaching and learning of our pupils. You will help them to overcome barriers to learning, develop their social and emotional skills, and achieve their full potential. You will also contribute to the development of a positive and inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all our pupils.
If you are ready to make a significant impact in the lives of our pupils and be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking community, we would love to hear from you.
This is a chance to be at the heart of something truly special. Be part of our journey at Gilbert Ward Academy, where together, we can create a brighter future for our pupils.
Gilbert Ward Academy is a new, purpose-built Department for Education (DfE) special free school designed to provide a tailored education for pupils aged 11-16 with SEMH needs and ASC. Opened recently to meet a growing demand in the region, the academy is proud to offer a modern, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.
Our facilities have been specifically designed to support the unique needs of our pupils, with specialist spaces to encourage personal growth, learning, and well-being. Located in Blyth, Northumberland, we are deeply committed to fostering resilience, independence, and aspiration in every pupil we serve.
As part of Prosper Learning Trust, which supports five specialist schools in the North East, we share a commitment to empowering vulnerable young people to succeed.
To learn more aboutGilbert Ward AcademyandProsper Learning Trust, please visit the websites.
Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 to help vulnerable young people succeed against the odds.Four core values underpin everything we do as a Trust, these are Aspiration, Integrity, Resilience and Kindness.We are looking for staff who share those values and want to support our young people.
The Trust currently have 5 schools in the region:
- Newcastle Bridges School – Alternative Provision academy offering education to pupils unable to access mainstream school due to medical needs including hospitalised children and young people (3-19 years)
- Mary Astell Academy – Alternative Provision academy offering education to permanently excluded pupils and pupils who are struggling in mainstream school (11-16 years)
- Thomas Bewick Special School – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (3-19 years)
- Harry Watts Academy – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (5-16 years)
- Gilbert Ward Academy – Special School academy for pupils with SEMH or a diagnosis of autism (11-16 years)
The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Gilbert Ward Academy but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site should the need arise.
Benefits of working for Prosper Learning Trust
- The Trust is proud to say that we match the Real Living Wage and we also offer successful candidates:
- A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
- Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes
- Free access to a comprehensive suite of unlimited CPD opportunities through The National College
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
- Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme, each with favourable employer contribution rates.
- Employee centred policies that support you in and beyond the workplace
- Funded eye tests for DSE users (subject to T/Cs)
- Bike 2 Work scheme
For more information on why we think you should work for us see ourTrust website, where you will also findvideosof what our current staff think.
The successful candidate will be welcomed into the Trust, so if this sounds like the role for you, please don't hesitate to apply
Please note that all successful candidates will be required to complete an online pre-employment medical questionnaire.
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
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)About Gilbert Ward Academy
- School type
- Free Schools, None, ages 11 to 16
- School size
- 55 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Gilbert Ward Academy website
- Email address
- admin@gilbertwardacademy.co.uk
School location
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