Overview
Gilbert Ward Academy has Academy status and you will be employed by the Board of Trustees.
Location: Gilbert Ward Academy, Princess Louise Site, Blyth, Northumberland NE24 2TS.
Interview Date: Week commencing 10 November 2025. Start Date: ASAP. We welcome both full-time and part-time applicants.
About the role
Gilbert Ward Academy is delighted to announce opportunities for Teaching and Learning Assistants to join our team. As a brand-new, state-of-the-art secondary-age special school that opened its doors in September 2023, we are at the forefront of providing education for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Responsibilities
* Work in close collaboration with teachers, other school staff and supporting professionals to support the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning for pupils.
* Help pupils to overcome barriers to learning, develop their social and emotional skills, and achieve their full potential.
* Contribute to the development of a positive and inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all pupils.
Requirements
* A Level 3 qualification related to education (e.g. Teaching Assistant or Nursery Nurse).
* Experience of advancing progress of pupils within a learning environment or relevant experience of working with vulnerable adults or children.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* A positive attitude and commitment to learning and equality. The ability to manage own time, motivation, resilience and reliability; experience of working in a team with a flexible approach.
About the provider and location
Located in Blyth, Northumberland, Gilbert Ward Academy serves 80 pupils. This expansion represents a unique opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping the school’s provision and establishing a lasting legacy in special education.
Why join us
* A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another.
* Opportunities for career development and Trust-wide CPD programmes.
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and the Wellbeing Network Group.
* Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme, with favourable employer contribution rates.
* Employee-centred policies that support you in and beyond the workplace.
* Funded eye tests for DSE users (subject to terms and conditions).
* Bike to Work scheme.
For more information on Prosper Learning Trust and its websites, please note that Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 to help vulnerable young people succeed against the odds. The Trust currently has five schools in the region: Newcastle Bridges School; Mary Astell Academy; Thomas Bewick Special School; Harry Watts Academy; Gilbert Ward Academy.
Safeguarding and disclosures
Safeguarding Information: Prosper Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as well as vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to apply for Disclosure from the DBS. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this post. Online vetting checks will be carried out for shortlisted candidates. Written references will be sought and made available to interviewers before the final selection stage.
Application
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