About the School - Akeley Wood Senior & Tile House
Akeley Wood School is a dynamic and friendly place to work with opportunities for professional development. We educate around 700 children across three campuses and have a progressive approach to teaching and learning. We strive for a holistic education at Akeley Wood and achieve this through the supportive environment and diverse breadth of learning and development within our School.
We look to recruit high calibre staff committed to achieving the highest standards and to actively take part in the school life.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Learning Support Assistant (1:1) to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.
About the role
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual to support a pupil with additional needs, working closely with the SENDCo Lead, Inclusion Lead, and Class Teachers. The role involves delivering tailored support inside and outside the classroom, implementing strategies outlined in EHCPs and Support Plans, and promoting positive behaviour in line with school policy. You will help adapt learning materials, contribute to the pupil's academic, social, emotional, and physical development, and build strong relationships with both the pupil and their family. Participation in school life, including extra-curricular activities, trips, and events, is an important part of the role.
This role is funded via the pupil's EHCP and will continue for the duration of the child's time at the school, or until parents choose otherwise. The position is initially offered as a full-time, one-year fixed-term contract.
To view our full Role Profile, click here.
Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidate is empathetic, flexible, and committed to helping every child reach their potential. You will have experience working with children in educational settings, ideally with Special Educational Needs, and be confident delivering pre-planned programmes of work. Excellent communication skills, sensitivity, and diplomacy are essential, along with a thorough understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and confidentiality in schools. Familiarity with the SEND Code of Practice and strategies to support children with additional needs is highly desirable. Personal integrity, energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school are key, as are strong interpersonal skills and the ability to prioritise effectively.
Benefits at Cognita:
*Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
*Enrolment to our company Pension Scheme
*Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave
*Access to My Staff Shop - £1,000's of savings to be made across the year
*Cycle to Work scheme, operated through My Staff Shop
*24/7 wellbeing support through Cognita Care First, our Employee Assistance Program
*Free school lunches
*A discount on fees for children at Akeley Wood School
*Ongoing professional development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 16th November 2025
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.