Description Stage not Age Learning Support Assistant Location: Ark Ayrton Primary Academy Salary: Ark Schools Band 2: Actual Salary £23,101 to £23,402 (FTE £24,482 to £24,795) Address: Somers Road, Southsea, PO5 4LS Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term – September Start Working Pattern: 39.5 hours, Term Time Only Closing date: Monday 22 nd June 2026 The Role In this role you will support the engagement, learning and wellbeing of pupils with complex needs, including social, emotional, mental health, behavioural, communication and learning needs. You will work closely with pupils who are unable to access mainstream provision, including those educated at Hartland Point, a stage-not-age provision designed to meet children at their developmental level. You will support pupils, parents, teachers and the wider school team to establish a nurturing, structured and responsive learning environment, enabling children to make progress academically, socially and emotionally, in line with their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Key responsibilities To support individual pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, including pupils attending Hartland Point, to help them engage in learning and make progress across the curriculum To work flexibly across a stage-not-age provision, adapting learning approaches to meet individual developmental needs rather than chronological age To support the implementation of EHCP targets, working closely with the class teacher, SENCO, Room Leader and external professionals To deliver targeted interventions, including programmes linked to Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), following guidance from qualified therapists To support teachers, parents and colleagues in creating a consistent, calm and purposeful learning environment To supervise pupils on the playground, in classrooms and in the dining hall during lunchtimes To attend a weekly dedicated planning session (30 minutes) with the class teacher To facilitate or co-facilitate an enrichment activity for pupils once a week after school We can offer you: Opportunities to visit other practises and learn from a variety of practitioners Supportive network of staff around you Sociable and friendly staff with regular staff socials CPD opportunities through the Art Network A chance to make a difference A well-resourced school that provides children with an opportunity to excel in all curriculum areas Generous pension scheme Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential couselling, legal advice and a range of different support About us: Ark Ayrton are a two-form entry primary school and nursery, situated in the heart of Portsmouth, close to the sea. We have high expectations of our children and for our children of what they can achieve. Our priorities are to ensure all children are here, safe, happy and learning well at all times. This means we also have high expectations of ourselves, our parents and carers and the other people who work with us in improving outcomes for our children. We work closely with our partners and challenge each other openly and honestly to be sure we never lose sight of the vision and the job to be done in achieving excellence for all. We have a strong and dedicated staff team at Ayrton - all ready to provide the best education and environment for the children to thrive in every day. We have a bespoke Curriculum, written by us for our children and we are passionate and relentless in ensuring that there is something for everyone ay Ark Ayrton. We have been graded as ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted and as part of the Ark network of schools, we are committed to making sure that every child has access to a great education and real choices in life. If you would like to get a glimpse into life at Ark Ayrton, please visit our website or social media pages. Visits to school or telephone calls with our team are welcomed for any candidates wanting to find out more. If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Lauren Boxall l.boxall@arkayrtonprimary.org. How to apply: To apply please visit https://arkayrtonprimary.org/jobs/vacancies and fill in the application form, all application forms must be submitted by Monday 22 nd June 2026. Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our academies. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process which will include questions about safeguarding. This process is outlined here, but can be provided in more detail if requested. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for the role. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link. Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience. Job Description