Job Description

Part-Time Learning Support Assistant (LSA)

Required for September 2025

Term Time Only (up to 30 hours a week)

The Directors of the Gardener Schools Group founded Maida Vale School with the belief that there is an opportunity to create a different kind of independent secondary school in London. This school is intended to be academically rigorous while also offering a modern approach to admissions, a flexible curriculum, and an appreciation for creativity and individual talent. We are now seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant who will provide dedicated support to a specific pupil. This is a unique opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic, imaginative, and compassionate to join a forward-thinking and pioneering Personalised Learning Department. We require a kind and empathetic individual to support a pupil in Year 12 with some medical needs (no personal care involved) and a visual impairment. The successful candidate will provide consistent support throughout the school day and help ensure the pupil is able to access the curriculum and participate fully in school life. This is position has scope to be part-time or full-time. Working hours can be arranged with some flexibility, in line with the requirements of the school timetable.

Essential for Learning Support Assistant:

An appropriate Teaching Assistant qualification, for example:
Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Level 3 Certificate Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools

(or a willingness to achieve a similar qualification while in-post)

Some recent experience in supporting individuals with specific needs A willingness to participate in the wider life and development of the School, showing commitment to the ethos of the School and flexibility in achieving its aims

Desirable:

Experience of supporting medical needs and/or visual impairment Strong IT skills (or a willingness to learn) as the role involves some adaptation of resources to meet the visual needs of the pupil Education up to A-level or equivalent as the role involves supporting a sixth form student
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

Work with curious and engaging pupils. Lead and innovate with extensive resources Teach and support in an inspiring workspace. Enjoy an inspiring new building. Take part in extra-curricular trips and visitst.

Role of a Learning Support Assistant at Maida Vale School:

Personal and professional conduct

Having proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school in which they work as professional members of staff. Demonstrating positive attitudes, values and behaviours to develop and sustain effective relationships with the school community. Having regard for the need to safeguard pupils' well-being by following relevant statutory guidance along with school policies and practice. Upholding values consistent with those required from staff by respecting individual differences and cultural diversity. Committing to improve their own practice through self-evaluation and awareness. Knowledge and understanding Share responsibility for ensuring that their own knowledge and understanding is relevant and up to date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness. Take opportunities to acquire the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience required for the teaching assistant role, with support from the school/employer. Demonstrate expertise and skills in understanding the needs of all pupils (including specialist expertise as appropriate) and know how to contribute effectively to the adaptation and delivery of support to meet individual needs. Demonstrate a level of subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to their role and apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils. Understand their roles and responsibilities within the classroom and whole school context recognising that these may extend beyond a direct support role.

Teaching and learning

Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all pupils including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs and disabilities. Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities. Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school's policy and procedures. Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role. Communicate effectively and sensitively with pupils to adapt to their needs and support their learning. Maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment by organising and managing physical teaching space and resources.

Working with others

Recognise and respect the role and contribution of other professionals, parents and carers by liaising effectively and working in partnership with them With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress or concerns they may have about the pupils they work with. Understand their responsibility to share knowledge to inform planning and decision making. Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers. Communicate their knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision.

Main Responsibilities:

Support for the Pupil

To work with the class teacher to foster a warm, caring and friendly environment for the Pupil within the classroom To work with the class teacher in preparing work for the Pupil To carry out delegated tasks set by the class teacher To provide support for the Pupil, ensuring their safety at all times as well as the ability to access learning activities To establish a positive and constructive relationship with the Pupil and interact with them according to individual needs Assist with the development and implementation of the Education Health Care Plan Encourage the Pupil to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher Set challenging and demanding expectations and promote self-esteem and independence Provide feedback to the Pupil in relation to progress and achievement under the guidance of the teacher To help ensure that the Pupil makes the maximum amount of progress possible in each lesson o Use specialist skills to undertake activities necessary to meet the physical and emotional needs of the Pupil To provide support for the Pupil in a broad range of situations both on and off-site To encourage positive practise in relation to general behaviour and approach to school life To develop social, communication and interaction skills inside and outside of the classroom To maintain cordial and informative relationships with the Parents. Support for the teacher Create and maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment in accordance with lesson plans Support with the planning of learning activities Monitor the Pupil's responses to learning activities and accurately record achievement/progress as directed by the teacher Provide detailed and regular feedback to the teacher Provide detailed and regular feedback to the Parents in conjunction with the class teacher Promote good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with incidents in line with established policy and encourage the Pupil to take responsibility for his own conduct

Support for the curriculum

Undertake structured and agreed learning activities/teaching programmes adjusting activities according to the Pupil's response Support the use of ICT in learning activities and develop the Pupil's competence and independence in its use Prepare, maintain and use equipment/resources required to meet the lesson plans/relevant learning activity and assist the Pupil in its use Support for the school Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures in relation to safeguarding, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to the appropriate person To comply with all legal requirements such as register of attendance and Health and Safety regulations Be aware of and support differences ensuring all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop academically and pastorally Contribute to the overall ethos, aims and values of the school Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required Participate in training and other learning activities to further knowledge and expertise as required Accompany teaching staff and pupils on of out of school activities and educational visits

Other Responsibilities:

Pupil Support and Pastoral Care:

Monitor and support the social, emotional, and academic well-being of all pupils in your care. Be approachable and available for pupils needing guidance or additional help. Work with other staff members to implement pastoral support strategies, including those related to safeguarding, behaviour management, and attendance.

School Contribution and Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participate in whole-school activities, events, and initiatives as required by the Senior Leadership Team. Contribute to the broader life of the school by participating in or leading extra-curricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or trips. Uphold the school's values and ethos in all interactions with pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post and it may be subject to modification after consultation with the post holder.

This position is a permanent, full-time role and will suit a practitioner who is organised, dynamic, efficient with time and meeting deadlines. The school operates its own pay scales and will offer a salary commensurate with experience and the nature of this role.

Facilities

The school, having been refurbished to an exceptional standard, is equipped with light, airy teaching spaces; a Sixth Form Independent Learning Centre; ample outside space including a MUGA and practice basketball court; a theatre; a Parent Cafe. The contemporary, cutting-edge facilities include awe-inspiring department areas in the creative and performing arts faculties, and include: two art & textiles studios, a Design & Technology workshop and adjoining CAD CAM, computing, and dance.

Curriculum

The school offers a broad range of subjects across all Key Stages. The curriculum is structured around a two-year KS3 programme; a three-year KS4 programme; a two-year Sixth Form programme, and the school pursues excellence in all areas. The school's Bring Your Own Device policy ensures all pupils become digitally literate.

Pastoral & Extra-Curricular

The ethos of the school is that of a family - sociable, supportive, nurturing - imparting emotional care and security to pupils, parents and staff. Our approach emphasises the partnership with parents, hence the unique and popular Parent Cafe. An extensive extra-curricular programme is in place, consisting of clubs and societies in sport, creative & performing arts, academic subjects, and areas beyond the curriculum.

Staff Development

The school is committed to staff development and the position will provide a good springboard for further promotion within the school and beyond. Weekly whole-school staff CPD takes places throughout the year; all staff are encouraged to attend CPD courses. In addition, the school's INSET days focus on Teaching & Learning, both the expertise within the staff body and from external providers.

Appointments

All appointments are made in accordance with our equal opportunities policy and applicants should let us know of any special needs they may have. Maida Vale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful candidates must be willing to undergo full screening in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils will be explored at interview.

Applications

Applications must be made on the school's application form, which may be obtained via the school website: https://www.maidavaleschool.com/about-us/join-our-team

Please submit a completed application form together with supporting letter of application and details of two referees. One referee should be able to comment on your learning support skills, and one from your current or most recent employer.

References will be taken prior to interview. You must provide original documents as proof of identity at interview.

Completed applications should be emailed to recruitment@maidavaleschool.com or posted to Mr Magnus Bashaarat, Headmaster, Maida Vale School, 18 Saltram Crescent, London, W9 3HR.

Closing Date

9am on 22nd August 2025

. Suitable applicants will be contacted by telephone or email and invited to attend an interview, which is likely to be held on

28th August 2025

. However, interviews will take place as and when suitable applications are received, so early applications are strongly encouraged.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: Up to 15.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 30 per week

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Canteen Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Free flu jabs Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

London W9 3HR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Have you worked in an educational institution before?
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (required)
Experience:

LSA/Teaching : 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 22/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025