SEN Learning Support Assistant (56BC)

Merrydale Junior School, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE5 0PL

17 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  1 February 2026 at 10:59pm

• Date listed

  8 January 2026

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) Approximate starting salary of £16,018

SEN Learning Support Assistant (56BC) job summary

Fixed Term SEN Learning Support Assistant

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 until August 2026. ( Last day of academic year)

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

We recommend interested candidates arrange a school visit prior to interview. Please contact the Schools Office Manager Nikita Grant at ngrant@dsatmerrydale.org. Thank You.

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 SEN 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

• To work under the supervision of a teacher to provide care and encouragement to children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs, supporting them to participate in activities and liaising, if required, with parents / carers / other professionals as appropriate.
• To work under the direct supervision of a teacher to carry out planned learning activities to meet the specific needs of designated children, either individually or in small groups, providing feedback on their engagement in activities and their achievement of the desired learning objectives.
• To support the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of pupils, including contributing ideas and suggestions to support planning, to meet their development needs.
• To observe and feed back to the teacher on pupil performance and behaviour, taking action as appropriate in line with relevant school policies.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• NVQ 2 in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent OR Able to demonstrate the ability to meet the STL Level 2 National Occupational Standards relevant to this post.
• Level 2 qualifications in maths/numeracy and English/literacy

Experience:

• Experience of supporting teaching and learning in a formal setting

Skills & Knowledge:

• Knowledge of child protection and health and safety procedures.
• Ability and willingness to undertake professional development.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Empathy with children and young people.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.

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.
• Highly committed and motivated Team.
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues.

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
• Free childcare.

Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

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

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools 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 are 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.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.

Apply Now!
If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today!

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
• 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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