Learning Support Assistant

JOB OVERVIEW At Walsh C. of E. Schools we are looking for a passionate Learning Support Assistant to work collaboratively within the school community to instill in each child a love of learning for life that enables them to achieve beyond what they thought possible. As part of our energetic and welcoming team, you will promote the highest standards of education in a caring and supportive environment where children feel safe, secure and ready to learn. This position will be based in our Early Years Foundation Stage at our Infant school. WHY CHOOSE US: The Walsh Schools are Church of England schools based in the parish of St Peter, Ash. We have strong links with the parish and enjoy the support of the vicar. A school that promotes the academic and personal growth of all pupils in a nurturing and inspiring environment which reflects the school’s mission based on Christian values to “Achieve through Fellowship, Resilience and Peace”. Our school is set in the village of Ash which borders the Surrey/Hampshire border. You will have the opportunity to work alongside outstanding teachers, to observe and share practice on a regular basis, developing pedagogy through reflection.  We pride ourselves on our strong ethos of inclusion and diversity. Our school community offers the opportunity to become a meaningful part of the wider community through enrichment and extra-curricular activities. We are passionate about staff work-life balance throughout the school. The school is part of the Good Shepherd Trust academy. The GST is a multi-academy trust serving 23 schools within the Diocese of Guildford across Surrey and Hampshire. Our trust comprises both primary and secondary schools, schools affiliated to the Church of England and others who are not.  Our purpose is to grow and maintain a strong network of schools within a highly supportive and sharing network: we know that schools are better when they work together sharing common values and goals. Opportunities for staff development are a key priority for us - as a member of support staff, as a teacher, as a head teacher or as a local committee member you will have access to wide and varied professional development. We are working hard to become a more diverse organisation - which is key to our commitment “to be better, together, to ensure an ambitious education for every child in every school every day”. We welcome applications from everyone committed to this ethos and would particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in the Group as a whole.  We always appoint on merit. We are always open to discussing flexible working options. Please note that we reserve the right to interview on application should a suitable candidate apply and we have the right to withdraw this advert prior to the closing date. You are therefore strongly encouraged to apply for the role as soon as possible. WHAT WE OFFER: GST - Grade B6 FTE £24,644 pro rata £19,030 Hours - 32.5 hours per week, term time only. 8.30 am to 3.30 pm daily Collaborative working between the Infant and Junior Schools to support our endeavours to work smarter and achieve an effective balance between home and work. A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn. Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching. Onsite parking. Please see our job description and person specification for more details on this role.