Learning Support Assistant

In consideration of the school's commitment to improved teaching and learning and the dynamic nature of support required for an ever changing school cohort, we would like to appoint a highly effective learning support assistant. Applicants will be highly motivated and have a passion to ensure that our learners achieve the very best that they can at all times. The purpose of the role will be to uphold the core standards of pride, respect and achievement with all learners and to ensure that those requiring specialist provision receive the highest standard of bespoke support. Specifically, the successful candidates will:

• establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model, promoting challenge and active participation in learning
• be committed to supporting all learners with social and emotional issues to restore participation and learning
• promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance and collaborative work
• develop specialist knowledge of both the curriculum and learners' bespoke needs to work with teaching staff and ensure maximum progress
• record progress and achievement in lessons and provide evidence of level of progress and attainment that can be shared with all stakeholders
• work within an established behaviour policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self control and independence
• be committed to continuous professional development and contribute knowledge and expertise in departmental and whole school training
• be confident to develop, monitor and contribute to learning passports ensuring effective dissemination.
• deliver out of school learning activities within guidelines established by the school
• have a high level of literacy and numeracy and show confidence in support of school strategies that address underperformance e.g. bridging the gap for students not considered secondary ready
The successful candidate will work with students on a one to one and small group basis providing breakout opportunities from the classroom to deepen understanding and further progress. In addition, the successful candidate will work with students who access our inclusion unit to support them with learning to aid a smooth transition back into the classroom. Burnside College is a good school, with outstanding sixth form provision. We put teaching and learning first and are committed to providing a high quality and inclusive learning experience for all. Furthermore, we are committed to the development of staff and you will be joining a supportive school with an excellent environment in which to continue your professional development.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Burnside College is characterised by its strong community spirit and friendly working environment. Respect is one of our core values and is tangible throughout the school. We believe that strong relationships are the fabric of any successful school. Interactions at Burnside between staff, and with pupils, are based on mutual respect and are positive. In our most recent OfSTED inspection in 2020 Burnside College was acknowledged to be a good school in all areas with outstanding sixth form provision. Staff are proud to work at our school and proud of the young people in our community. Our team continues to expand year on year as a result of now being oversubscribed. These improvements were secured through a relentless focus on teaching and learning; we routinely consider the latest educational thinking in order to reflect on and refine what happens in classrooms. This goes hand in hand with a strong, caring system of pastoral support and a focus on the personal development of our pupils. Standards have continued to remain high at Burnside and there is an expectation at Burnside that staff will be determined to do the very best for the young people of Wallsend and always work positively, with the best interest of young people at heart. In return the school offers excellent support and professional development. We offer high quality staff training which is personalised to the experience and needs of the individual. A particular strength is the effective programme of support in place for early years teachers. School leaders are considerate of the workload and wellbeing of staff and the school provides good career progression opportunities. We were delighted to once again receive the Wellbeing Award for Schools in 2023 and the inspection report stated that "Burnside College is a happy place to work and learn." In 2024-25 as part of our continued commitment to staff wellbeing, all teaching staff receive at least 33% additional non-contact time. We are looking to recruit staff to our team that are committed to high standards and to improving the life chances of young people. Further details about our school are available on the school website.