Learning Support Assistant

PolyMAT is a small but ambitious Multi-Academy Trust with a unique family feel. We are proud of our vision: Success for Everyone, and we are seeking a dedicated Learning Support Assistant to help us deliver this vision within our LARP (Local Authority Resource Provision) Unit at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys. This is a casual worker role. Work will be offered on an ad hoc basis according to the needs of the school. There is no obligation on the School to provide work, nor is there any obligation on the casual worker to accept work offered. Payment will be made only for hours worked.

Our Trust currently comprises three schools:

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys - a long-established and successful boys’ secondary school. Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls - opened in 2019 and growing rapidly. Bannockburn Primary School - a large, thriving primary school that joined the Trust in November 2023. We also offer a flourishing co-educational Sixth Form. Across all our schools, we foster a culture of high standards, underpinned by our core values of Care and Unity. Staff and students alike benefit from a supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels part of the PolyMAT family. Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys is looking for a reliable, committed, and compassionate Learning Support Assistant to join our LARP Unit. To work on a casual, as-required basis under the overall supervision of the Head of LARP and under the guidance of the HLTA. The post holder will provide support to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) within the Local Authority Resource Provision (LARP), assisting with students' learning, social development and wellbeing. The postholder will observe confidentiality at all times.

The LARP Unit supports students with EHCPs and aims to:

Provide a nurturing environment that facilitates integration into the mainstream school community. Develop communication, interaction, and social skills. Support access to the curriculum. Foster independence and life skills. Improve literacy and numeracy. Help students gain appropriate qualifications for future education and employment. Enable access to the local community. Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

Have prior experience working with students with Autism and/or Moderate Learning Difficulties, preferably within a primary or specialist educational setting. Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Exhibit patience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting the holistic development of young people. Possess a positive attitude and a good sense of humour. PolyMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offer of employment is subject upon the Academy Trust receiving an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (DBS), which the Academy considers to be satisfactory. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post you are applying for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and it is therefore an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. In accordance with KCSIE 2026, shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online profile and social media check. PolyMAT is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination, and providing opportunities for people with disabilities. We are an inclusive Trust that strives to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We aspire to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of circumstances or background, has the opportunity to be the best version of themselves through our vision of ‘Success for Everyone’. For any potential applicants, we encourage you to inform us of any additional support or adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process. We have an open approach to support for candidates with disabilities and recognize that reasonable adjustments may be required based on each individual's needs. Sharing your needs with us ahead of the interview allows us to fully support you and ensure you are not disadvantaged during the process. We welcome candidates to contact us at any point should you feel uncomfortable declaring a disability, to reassure you that we are here to support. Please contact hr@polymat.co.uk if this is the case. The closing date for applications is Sunday, 18 October. Interviews will be scheduled to take place shortly after. Suitable candidates will be interviewed promptly upon receipt of application. The closing date will be brought forward in the event that the post is filled.