What skills and experience we're looking for
General - The Learning Support Assistant will:
• Have an understanding of the broad range of Special
Educational Needs (specific learning difficulties, complex
learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, autistic
spectrum disorder, emotional behavioural, mental health &
social communication difficulties, ADHD) with reference to
how this affects pupils’ learning
• Work under the guidance of teaching / senior staff to
implement agreed work programmes
• Provide support for teaching staff across the school in an
appropriate learning environment
• Assist with the integration of pupils with special educational
needs and/ or disabilities, supporting a small group or on
an individual basis within the classroom or on a withdrawal
basis
• Be an integral part of the school, working in close
partnership with all staff
• To liaise sensitively and effectively with parents/carers
as agreed with the teacher and participate in feedback
sessions or meetings as directed
Pupils - The Learning Support Assistant should:
• Assist with the teaching of pupils; whole class, small groups
and individuals as directed
• Help pupils to access learning activities through specialist
support
• Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and
achievement
• Monitor and evaluate pupils’ responses to learning
activities through observation and planned recording of
achievement against pre-determined learning objectives
• Encourage pupils to interact and work co-operatively with
others and engage all pupils in activities
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils
have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
• Implement local and national learning strategies e.g.
literacy, numeracy, and make effective use of opportunities
provided by other learning activities to support the
development of relevant skills
Staff - The Learning Support Assistant should:
• Assist the teacher in curriculum planning, management &
preparation of resources
• Be responsible for keeping and updating records
What the school offers its staff
We are a good oversubscribed school (OFSTED 2022) located
in Stockport, South of Manchester. Our school is made up of
825 students and 100 staff. St James’ Catholic High School
is a thriving Catholic community that places children at
the centre of everything we do. The Diocese of Shrewsbury
judged our school to be an “Outstanding” Catholic school.
St James’ is a highly academic performing school:
• Impressive positive progress 8 scores for the previous
four years
• In 2024, 77% of students attained a Grade 4 or above in
both English & Mathematics (the equivalent to the old
Grade C) with 59% achieving a Grade 5 or above in both
English & Mathematics
• 87 grade 9s and 128 grade 8s were awarded to our
students in 2024, demonstrating exceptional attainment
across a wide range of subjects
• Exceptional results in open, Maths and English subjects
placing us in the top 20% of similar schools nationally
Our school is at the cutting edge of teaching and learning
and thrives on providing outstanding opportunities for the
young people we serve. All our staff work to provide our young
people with the skills, knowledge and understanding in order
to achieve their full potential.
Inspired by the example of St James, the purpose of our
school is ‘To educate and develop global Catholic citizens’.
Our three school values of Family, Faith and Excellence
are lived out every single day by staff, students and all
stakeholders.
The reputation of our school is exceptional within Stockport
and across the Shrewsbury Diocese for academic excellence,
impeccable pupil conduct and for providing outstanding
additional opportunities for our young people. The result is
that our young people develop into global Catholic citizens
who are proud to profess their faith and who make a positive
contribution to society.
At the root of our success is our St James’ community. This
is built on strong, positive relationships between all staff,
students and parents. Our parents support our school and
develop their children at home whilst our dedicated staff
are relentless in driving excellence by providing the best
educational experiences and opportunities for our students.
Underpinning this excellence are our unique values, Catholic
ethos and our mission. We are inspired and driven by the
Gospel where we are told: ‘With God all things are possible’
(Matthew 19:26).
Commitment to safeguarding
St James’ Catholic High School is an equal opportunity employer which is “Positive about Disabled People”. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in the workforce, who meet the person specification for the post St James’ Catholic High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.