SEND Learning Support Assistant Recruitment Pack

2025/2026

Together, stronger

• Letter from our CEO Page 3 • Letter from our Principal Page 4 • About Us Page 5 • Our Sponsors Page 6 • Role Description Page 7 • Key Responsibilities Page 8 and 9 • Person Specification Page 10 • Why Haberdashers? Page 11 to 14 • Recruitment Process Page 15 • Contact Details Page 16

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Contents

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the post of SEND Learning Support Assistant.

We are a Trust of nine schools, all based in South East London. Whilst each of our schools maintains its individuality, we share a common mission: to ensure that every single child and young person in our care is successful at school so that they can flourish and be successful in their lives. We are committed to ensuring this success from 3 to Forever, under our mantra of ‘once a Haberdasher, always a Haberdasher’.

Our People Strategy is key to our success and integral to this is our commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion . Bringing this to life is the responsibility of every member of staff. We take seriously any behaviour which undermines it. Anyone applying to work with us, should share this commitment.

Please take a look on our website for more information. We want the best people to join our Haberdashers’ community and are committed to a diverse and inclusive student and staff body.

If you are passionate about making a difference and feel that you have the right experience and expertise, I encourage you to apply to join us on our journey.

For a confidential discussion regarding this post, please contact Miss Ashleigh Shillingford on 0207 652 9560. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jan Shadick Chief Executive Officer Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South 3

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the role of SEND Learning Support Assistant at Haberdashers' Hatcham Primary.

As a SEND Learning Support Assistant, you will play a pivotal role at Hatcham Primary. We are seeking to appoint someone who is driven, a team builder, a team player, with high standards and passionate to enthuse our pupils and make a real difference.

Our school is vibrant and diverse situated in the heart of New Cross community. At Hatcham Primary we celebrate and nurture all children as well as providing quality first teaching as a basic entitlement for all learners. Our aim is to ensure each child reaches their maximum potential academically and socially by providing engaging lessons through the wide range of opportunities on offer within our curriculum. Pupils can gather an understanding of the world around us and develop their ability to ask questions and to think critically through our inclusive and rich curriculum.

I am delighted that Hatcham Primary was rated a 'Good' school by Ofsted in January 2024. Ofsted inspectors highlighted the following key strengths:

• Pupils have exemplary behaviour and demonstrate a respectful culture;

• There is excellent support for pupils with SEND – pupils are identified quickly as school staff take time to know pupils and their families when they join;

• Pupils participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, sports and drama;

• School leaders are highly ambitious for all pupils and highly supportive of their staff.....the wellbeing and welfare of the whole school community is at the forefront

I hope that this brief information, alongside the recruitment details, encourages you to apply to join us in our exciting current phase of development. We encourage visits to the school which can be arranged by contacting Trust Recruitment Lead, Yas Affum on y.affum@habstrustsouth.org.uk

I look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to Haberdashers' Hatcham Primary.

Miss Emily Gyimah

Executive Principal Haberdashers’ Hatcham Primary

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Letter from Em

ily Gyim ah, Principal

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Federation-wide vision

We are a multi-academy trust consisting of four secondary schools and five primary schools and have been educating children and young people since 1876.

Our moral imperative at that time was to ensure that every child in our care received the best possible education in order to make the best start in life. That moral imperative remains today, underpinned by ethos of working together and our values of being ambitious, always growing and contributing to the world as global citizens.

In a complex world, we need our children and young people to be as well equipped for their future as possible so that they can flourish. We will support them to become compelling individuals so that by the time they leave us they will have experienced a range of opportunities that not only build their mind but also build their character.

We are proud to be a diverse community and take seriously the need to ensure that every child, young person and adult connected with our schools feels included, welcomed and listened to. This is an important part of who we are and our commitment to equality and fairness. This commitment remains at the forefront of our work.

To find out more about Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, please visit: www.habstrustsouth.org.uk

VISION 2026 Every School an Excellent School It is the Trust’s vision for all of our schools to be excellent schools. Our mission is to ensure that every one of our children and young people flourishes at school so that they can be successful in their lives.

Our three main objectives are:

• Excellent outcomes for all children and young people so that they can be successful in their next steps and future lives;

• To be regarded as a great employer, attracting, retaining and developing the best staff;

• To be the Trust of choice and a welcome presence in our communities.

To find out more about our Vision and Strategy, please visit: https://www.habstrustsouth.or g.uk/Our-Vision-and-Strategy

About Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South

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Our Sponsors

Our sponsors are a huge part of the culture within our schools. The links with our sponsors are a unique and special part of what makes our Trust and schools what they are today.

The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers

Our main sponsor is the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. Education is hugely important to the Haberdashers’ Company and today there are more than 12,000 children and young people in its’ family of 19 schools. The Haberdashers’ network of maintained and independent schools stretch across the country, covering north London, Shropshire and Monmouth and our own Trust, in south London and Kent. We have regular opportunities to collaborate with the wider network of Haberdashers’ schools on a number of initiatives and events.

The Haberdashers’ Company supports our pupils in many ways. There are a number of educational and careers initiatives that are organised by the Company, such as the Livery Academy Awards, Monmouth - City of London Work Experience, Haberdashers’ Musician of the Year, an annual Year 7 visit to the prestigious Haberdashers’ Hall, cross school sporting competitions, mentoring, trips and much more. Each year, a number of Year 13 pupils receive scholarships that will support them financially through university and the Company fund a number of projects throughout the school year. The relationship with the Haberdashers Company is central to the success of the Haberdashers’ Advantage enrichment programme, and pupils, parents and staff are proud of this relationship.

Being part of the Haberdashers’ community is very important to us as a school. The Haberdashers’ come and visit us each year to hear from the children, to see what has been happening in our school and to celebrate our achievements. The Haberdashers’ Company supports pupils, past and present, as they progress through their educational and professional journey, which offers our pupils something truly unique.

Find out more: www.haberdashers.co.uk

Temple Grove Schools Trust

Temple Grove Schools Trust is a charitable trust dedicated to raising standards for primary education. The Trust was founded some 50 years ago and springs from one of the country’s oldest prep schools, Temple Grove founded in 1810. The Trust seeks to provide all children with a breadth and depth of learning opportunities in order to realise individual aspirations and potential.

Our primary schools are extremely fortunate to have a partnership with the Temple Grove Schools Trust. Schools benefit from bursaries that allow us the opportunity to give our children learning experiences they may not get at other schools; including music lessons, professional coaches and multiple trips.

Find out more: www.templegrove.org.uk

Role Description

About the role

We are looking to appoint outstanding candidates to join our primary team. This is a superb opportunity for a committed and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to work with children with special educational needs & disabilities (SEND) and to support in the classroom. ​

All applicants should ideally have some class-based experience.​

Those applying for the SEND LSA position should have previous experience of working with primary-aged children. This experience may have been gained within a mainstream education, in a specialist provision or maybe outside of education. We offer successful applicants the opportunity to work as part of a friendly and multi- disciplinary team.​

The role is dependent upon the pupil(s) attending Hatcham Primary and ceases if he/she leaves the school, or if SEND funding ceases or circumstances change. Hours are dependent on funding and will be reduced (with notice) if funding is reduced or circumstances change.​

Staff Development

Our staff are important to us. We know that without great staff, our children will not be as successful. Therefore, Professional Learning is key to our success. As a new employee within the Trust, you will be supported by the Senior Directors of People and Professional Learning, alongside your line manager to realise your full potential.

'Our People Strategy is key to our success and integral to this is our commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion . Bringing this to life is the responsibility of every member of staff. We take seriously any behaviour which undermines it. Anyone applying to work with us, should share this commitment.’

London Living Wage

We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

Job Title: SEND Learning Support Assistant Contract Type: Fixed Term Rolling Contract (1 year) Salary: £23,202 - £24,897 (S9-S12) School/Service: Haberdashers’ Hatcham Primary Location: Hunsdon Road, SE14 5RD Hours per week: 35 hours, 5 days a week Accountable to: SENDCo

Key Responsibilities

Improving pupil achievement and progress • To take responsibility for pupils’ progress and attainment • Track pupil progress against individual targets and provide supportive pupil

intervention activities where appropriate • Analyse pupil performance, altering provision in the light of resultant data • Assess the needs of pupils and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support

pupils’ learning • Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and

setting high expectations • Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs

Improving the quality of teaching and learning • Organise and manage appropriate learning environment and resources • Plan challenging teaching and learning objectives to evaluate and adjust lessons/work

plans as appropriate • Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of

assessment and monitoring strategies against learning objectives • Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement,

progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence • Record progress and achievement in lessons/activities systematically, providing

evidence of range and level of progress and attainment • Work within an established discipline policy to anticipate and manage behaviour

constructively, promoting self-control and independence • Supporting the role of parents in pupils’ learning and contribute to/lead meetings with

parents to provide constructive feedback on pupil progress/achievement etc • Administer and assess/mark tests and invigilate exams/tests • Support the education and social development of pupils under the direction and

guidance of the Principal, the all through SENCO/Dyslexia Lead Teacher/AP and class teachers

Improving the quality of the curriculum • Deliver learning activities to pupils within agreed system of supervision, adjusting

activities according to pupil responses/needs • Use ICT effectively to support learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and

independence in its use • Select and prepare resources necessary to lead learning activities, taking account of

pupils’ interests and language and cultural backgrounds • Deliver out of school learning activities within guidelines established by the school • Contribute to the identification and execution of appropriate out of school learning

activities which consolidate and extend work carried out in class

Key Responsibilities

1:1 Support Provide support for named pupils to enable them to be fully included and make expected progress • Establish productive working relationships with pupils, act as a role model and set high

expectations • Promote positive values, attitudes and good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict

and incidents in line with established policy and encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour

• Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs and at the same time promote the inclusion of all pupils

• Employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance, providing feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement

• Liaise effectively with teachers, other support staff, health and education specialists, parents, visitors and volunteers

• Work effectively with class teachers on lesson planning and differentiation • Administer and assess routine tests and invigilate exams/tests • Use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support pupils learning

Additional Duties • Regularly undertake break and lunch-time duties • Lead one club over two terms • Undertake and commit to on-going professional development to work toward Habs Institute

Teaching School HLTA accreditation • Keep and update records as agreed with the all through SENCO/Dyslexia teacher or class

teacher • Meet deadlines • Determine the need for, prepare and maintain general and specialist equipment and resources • Undertake other duties from time to time as the headteacher requires • Support the aims and ethos of the Federation • Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health,

safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

• Maintain high professional standards i.e. business dress, punctuality and attendance • Attend team and staff meetings as required • Appreciate and support the role of other professionals • Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required • Accompany staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required • Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and

own position within these • Be prepared to work cross-phase as necessary

General Responsibilities and Objectives • To promote equal opportunities in the Trust • To actively promote the aims and ethos of the Trust • To support the Trust’s commitment to the continued professional development of all staff • To undertake any additional duties as may reasonably be required by the CEO or Principal • To be aware of and assume the appropriate level of responsibility for safeguarding and

promoting the welfare of children and to report any concerns in accordance with the Academy’s safeguarding policies

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Federation-wide vision Person specification

Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment: Application (A) Interview (I) Assessment (AS) References ( R)

Education & Qualifications

• A* - C grade in English and Maths at GCSE level or equivalent

• Has a TA qualification or equivalent

• Experience of working with children of relevant age is advantageous

• Excellent degree (minimum 2.1)

A

A

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience of working with children with SEND

• Knowledge and experience of working with children with ASD/ ADHD/ Attachment difficulties

• Understanding of how challenging behaviour is communication and ways to support this through positive relationships, structures, routines and boundaries

• Use ICT effectively to record student progress/behaviour on school’s information system

• Ability to plan effective actions for pupils at risk of underachieving

• Ability to relate well to children and adults

• Constantly improve own practice/knowledge through self- evaluation and learning from others

• Use ICT effectively to support learning activities

• Basic understanding of child development and learning

• An interest in working within a Multi-Academy Trust setting

• Ability to speak and teach German or French at Primary level

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

Personal qualities • Clear commitment and understanding of the Trust ethos, vision and values and an ability to uphold them

• Belief in equality and opportunity for all, ensuring that all staff feel included and listened to

• Ability to establish and articulate a clear vision in an engaging way

• Determination and resilience • High level of interpersonal and

communication skills and the ability to build relationships and influence at all levels – engaging with a range of stakeholders successfully

• Commitment to collaborative working • High expectations of achievement,

conduct and behaviour and a willingness to address situations where these fall short

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R A, I, AS, R

A, I, AS, R

“Hatcham Primary is a great place to work. There is a wonderful, friendly atmosphere as soon as you walk in the door.

It is an atmosphere that promotes the well-being and holistic development of children throughout the school.

We have a hard-working, creative, and diverse team in our school. As a team we promote and celebrate each other's strengths as well as supporting each other to achieve great things. ”

Kate McStay, Year 3 Class Teacher Haberdashers’ Hatcham Primary

Staff Benefits

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W hy H

aberdashers? At Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, we believe that investing in our staff is crucial for our success. That’s why we offer a range of benefits that cater to your professional growth, well-being, and financial security.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you join us:

Perkbox: Our cutting-edge reward and benefits platform empowers you to acknowledge your colleagues’ accomplishments through its celebration tool. You can gain flexi and reward points, which can be redeemed at various high street and online retailers for treats and every day essentials. Additionally, you have the option to make charitable donations.

Pension Scheme: (eligible and enrolled participants): From 1 April 1 2024, for teachers, the Trust will contribute 28.68% to your pension fund. Support Staff will receive a 19.80% contribution to their pension pot from the same date.

Professional Learning: Our dedicated team at Habs Institute for Professional Learning is devoted to nurturing your professional growth. We offer excellent training opportunities for all staff throughout the year and provide partial funding for qualification pursuits.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP encompasses a 24-hour, free, and confidential counselling service. It includes access to online cognitive- behavioural therapy and management consultations to support Line Managers.

Well-being: Enjoy complimentary access to the award-winning Headspace app, along with free mindfulness courses to enhance your overall well-being.

Staff Development: Explore secondment opportunities within the Trust or external organisations, providing valuable experiences for your professional development.

Ride to Work and Cycle to Work Schemes: Take advantage of substantial discounts through tax allowances for either purchasing a bike or opting for bike hire, promoting a healthier and more sustainable commute.

Season Ticket Loans: Enjoy discounted annual travel fares through our salary-deductible Season Ticket Loan and save on your travel overall.

We are committed to helping you thrive in your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the benefits of working with a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.

Staff Incentives

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W hy H

aberdashers? We know that staff are our greatest asset in achieving our vision for every school to be an excellent school and for our children and young people to flourish and succeed.

To incentivise like-minded and talented people who care about the work we do at the Trust, to join us and stay with us, we have recently introduced :

Talent Connect Bonus

Refer a friend or connection to apply for a role at the Trust and receive a £300* bonus when they successfully complete their probation period.

Welcome Reward

Those employed in ‘hard to fill’ roles to receive a Welcome Reward of £500* after successfully completing their probation period.

Milestone Appreciation Award

Long-serving members of staff to receive a £500*** reward and congratulatory letter from the CEO for reaching 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25-year anniversaries with the Trust. .

* subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, and other terms and conditions. Some senior leaders will be exempt from receiving the Talent Connect Bonus.

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“ I applied to Haberdashers’ because it’s always been one of those prestigious schools and I just wanted to be a part of the Trust.

There is always somebody here to support you, to push you, to drive you and we all share the same goal – to provide a good education for all the children that come to our schools.”

Emily Gyimah, Executive Principal Haberdashers’ Hatcham Primary

Recruitment process and additional recruitment information

Closing date: Friday 9th January at 9am Interview date: Interviews will be held as and when applications are received Start date: Monday 2nd February 2026

Recruitment Process: Once you have submitted your application, it will be assessed against the criteria in the person specification. If you score well against this criteria, you will then be invited to attend an interview. Details will be made available when selected, but the interview is likely to include:

• A written task • A presentation • A panel Interview

Special Requirements: If you require reasonable adjustments prior to your interview, these can be arranged by emailing hatchamprimaryhr@habstrustsouth.org.uk

Equality and Diversity: We recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce. We are committed to eradicating discrimination in the workplace, becoming an employer of choice, for all staff to believe that they have a voice and be empowered to make a difference

References: We will obtain references from your referees if you are successful at interview. In order to prevent any delays, please ensure that the reference section of the application form is accurate and completed in full.

Right to work in the UK: Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2006 makes it a criminal offence for an employer to take on a new employee whose immigration status prevents him/her from taking up employment. If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be asked to produce original and up to date documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.

Data Protection: Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the selection process. By signing and submitting your application form, you are giving consent to the processing of your data.

Criminal Convictions: All education establishments in the UK are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. In practice, this means that all shortlisted applicants must inform on all spent and unspent convictions on their application form and when completing a Disclosure and Barring form. Failure to provide this information may result in dismissal. List 99 is also obtained on anyone who will be working or coming into contact with children; and must be received by the School before employment can commence.

For a confidential discussion about this post or to arrange a visit to our school, please

contact Trust Recruitment Lead Yas Affum or email y.affum@habstrustsouth.org.uk

Thank you for your interest in Haberdashers’ Hatcham Primary. We look forward to receiving your

application.

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Haberdashers’ Hatcham Primary Hunsdon Road, London SE14 5RD

www.habshatchamprimary.org.uk