About the role: We are looking to appoint committed and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join and support our wider SEN teams at Milestone Academy and/or across our satellite sites at Wilmington Academy, The Leigh Academy and the Star Centre at Dartford Primary Academy. This role is ideal for those who genuinely have a passion for helping children, particularly with learning difficulties, and also a fantastic opportunity for those considering a career in Teaching to gain valuable first-hand experience. Candidates who are appointed will receive full support and training from colleagues and teachers.

We have two contracts available;

A permanent contract based on 31.75 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 8.45am - 3.30pm with alternate Tuesdays until 4.30pm for staff training) during Term Time and inset days (with an annual salary of £12,859)
A more flexible zero hours contract whereby days are agreed in advance and timesheets are submitted, paid at an hourly rate of £9.20. This option is perfect if you can only commit to a few days per week (please note that successful candidates must be available for full days, not just parts of the day)
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis with our successful candidates joining us as soon as possible - early applications are encouraged!



Milestone Academy will be holding an Open Morning for prospective Teaching Assistants, allowing you to see our academy in action! The event is held on Wednesday 6th February 2019 between 9.30am - 11.45am. If our environment appeals to you and you're keen to see if first hand, email talent@latrust.org.uk to book a place. Alternatively, you can get in touch on 01634 412 473. During the morning, you will;

Be welcomed with refreshments and an overview of the role of the Teaching Assistant at Milestone Academy, delivered by Nigel Jones (Principal)

Take a tour of the academy and our facilities

Meet with current Teaching Assistants to determine exactly what the role is like, followed by 'questions and answers'

Have time to spend in the classroom with our wonderful pupils and staff

Have a debrief by the Associate Principal, Dee Pickerill, who can answer any further questions



Help our students reach their full potential: Milestone Academy is a large, modern, well-resourced academy, providing for 252 pupils with profound, severe and complex needs in a semi-rural setting. Our pupils are ages between 2-19 years. We have a commitment to pupils and families to deliver personal and academic progress for each pupil whilst they are with us.

What does the role involve? The main aim of this role is to support our teachers to deliver academic excellence, day in, day out, with professionalism and enthusiasm. This will involve providing a comprehensive support service to the Academy including:

- Assisting students with their educational and social development, on an individual and group basis

- Providing support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities

- Assisting teachers with the maintenance of student records

- Building and maintaining successful relationships with students, whilst treating them with respect and consideration

- Provide expertise to deliver a personalised curriculum for each pupil’s learning

- Work together with families and other agencies to ensure every pupil is valued, challenged and supported

- Have the highest expectation that every pupil will make sustained academic and personal progress

- Ensure that every pupil is ready for the next steps in their learning and is supported to participate in, and contribute to, life in modern Britain

- Each and every member of staff, regardless of their position or seniority, is expected to participate in the overall running of the school and to act as a positive role model for our students. In and out of the classroom you will encourage and promote positive behaviour and effectively manage any situation that threatens to impact on the progress of other students.



What are we looking for in you? Applicants will have previous experience of working with young people, either in an academic setting or as a voluntary worker. You will be educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy. You will be committed to personal learning and development, and have a sincere commitment to sharing our long-term aims and drive for continuous improvement. In return, we will offer you a professional and supportive team, a state of the art working environment and a genuine opportunity to develop.

As a Trust we feel it is important to hire for the right attitude which is why we look for support assistants that are enthusiastic, focused and resilient to the day to day pressures that the classroom brings.

Diversity at our core: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. The Academy is committed to safeguarding and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.