Learning Support Assistant

Highwoods Academy - Empowering Minds MAT

Highwoods Road

Mexborough

S64 9ES

Contract: Temporary until 31st August 2027

Hours: 15 hours (per week) / option for additional hours

Start Date: 1st November 2026 / as available

We are a family of schools which values and embraces diversity and uniqueness across our trust and in our communities. We empower our children, staff, and wider communities to be ambitious and be the very best that they can be, in order to have the confidence to achieve their chosen place in society. We will achieve this through strong relationships, resilience, support, challenge, motivation and positivity. We aim to provide strong, ambitious and inspirational leadership in every school so that every pupil and every member of staff is encouraged to achieve more than they thought possible. Our learning evolves and adapts, moving toward our vision of aspiration.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to equality of opportunity in the services provided to customers and all aspects of employment. We warmly welcome of applications from all sectors of the diverse community. Our recruitment policies, procedures and practices enable all applicants to be considered on merit and ability to do the job. We will make reasonable adjustments, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act, for disabled applicants if these are needed.

We are seeking…

Highwoods Academy are looking to appoint a caring, enthusiastic and highly motivated Learning Support Assistant to join our team, with a particular focus on supporting pupils with high levels of SEND need within our school. This role will involve working closely with teachers, the SENDCo, and external professionals to provide tailored support that enables pupils to access learning, develop independence, and thrive both academically and socially. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about education and committed to providing high-quality learning experiences for children.

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience working with children with complex SEND needs (e.g. ASD, communication and interaction needs, SEMH)
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of how pupils with SEND learn, including the importance of scaffolding, repetition, structure, and adaptive teaching approaches
• Be able to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, supporting both learning and emotional regulation
• Show patience, empathy, and resilience in responding to individual needs
• Work effectively as part of a team, contributing to planning and reviewing support strategies
• Be committed to inclusive practice and high expectations for all learners

We can offer:

• Enthusiastic and happy children who enjoy learning
• A welcoming, supportive and experienced team
• Ongoing professional development in SEND and inclusive practice
• Opportunities to work alongside experienced practitioners and external specialists
• A positive and inclusive working environment
• Access to employee wellbeing support and staff benefits

Visits to the school are encouraged and warmly welcomed.

Please telephone: 01709 583273 to arrange.

Application forms are available online or via the school office, please return completed applications for the attention of the Head Teacher Mr P Rust at admin-highwoods@empoweringmindsmat.uk

Closing Date: Monday 12th October 2026

Interview Date: TBC