We are looking to appoint a creative, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join the SEN (Special Educational Needs) Department in the primary phase of Aylesbury Vale Academy.  Previous experience in EYFS is desirable, but not essential and applicants must have a willingness to undertake any additional training as appropriate.  We need someone who communicates well with young people to make a positive impact on the lives of those in the community we serve.  We work as a team to support each other, both with the demands of our work and our wellbeing.

Applicants must have a GCSE in English and Maths or equivalent qualification.

Flexibility in your approach, resilience, good listening and communications skills, having a positive attitude to young people and good organisational skills are required.

There are a wide range of staff benefits that are available to all members of staff employed directly by The Aylesbury Vale Academy.  Some of the benefits include:

• Priority admissions for children of staff in our Primary and Secondary phases.
• Staff receive 10% off all wrap around care in the Primary phase.
• Access to high quality professional development.  All staff have a subscription to access the National College.  We also support many staff in completing qualifications such as NPQ, QTS, apprenticeships, etc.
• Disaggregated INSET days with elements dedicated to professional development and time in departments.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a support service for all staff, as well as partners and dependent children.  Experienced, professional advisors are available to speak to you confidentially 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Access to a well-equipped Academy gym.
• All teaching staff have access to the Teachers' Pension Scheme, whilst other staff have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Wellbeing Wednesdays where all staff receive free pastries and fruit.
• Gift vouchers given to celebrate life events such as on the birth/adoption of a child, or a wedding.
• Contribution to eye tests and glasses.

The school is celebrating the highest examination results (in all phases) in his history with above average performance, outperforming all local schools with similar school context.

If Ofsted's visit, January 2019, the school was judged 'Good' in all areas for the first time in the Academy's history.

Quotations from the last Ofsted visit in January 2019:-

• "Outcomes have improved because of strong subject leadership".
• "The behaviour of pupils is good.  There is an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect across the school.  Pupils' conduct is calm and orderly".
• "Staff morale is high.  They believe that leaders and governors take staff members' wellbeing and workload into account and they feel well supported by the school".
• "Staff new to the school feel very well supported by their more experienced colleagues and the packages of training and support on offer".
• "Comprehensive induction and training programmes offered by senior leaders and the link advisor ensure that they very quickly establish themselves in their posts".
• "Pupils show a well-developed understanding and tolerance for others who are different from them.  Tolerance and diversity are promoted well at Aylesbury Vale Academy".

What our staff say:-

• "AVA is a fantastic place to work and I have progressed so much in my leadership over the last six years due to the opportunities given to me and the support I have had from my colleagues" - Curriculum Leader with six years of experience.
• "I really love the team I work with.  The work I do is rewarding, but what makes this place special is the group of people I get to work with everyday" - member of non-teaching staff.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible as the school reserves the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate.

Our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children will be reflected throughout the process and the successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We also carry out out Enhanced DBS checks every five years.

All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online screening check prior to interview.