Learning Support Assistant

The Hawthorns School, Chelmsford

Job Ref No. ECC7006-147 Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: LGPCD Scale 3 to Scale 4

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time/Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 30/09/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: To be Confirmed

Job Description

The Hawthorns School is now advertising for LSAs to start as soon as possible at LGPCD Pay Scale 3-4!

The Hawthorns School opened its doors in January 2023, for autistic children. We are now in our beautiful brand new purpose-built school and are expanding our provision. We need to add to our team of support staff who make up a therapeutic, dedicated, tight-knit and supportive team who prioritise the needs of the pupils through an evolving curriculum with the development of social communication at its core.

This is a unique opportunity to join us in providing a holistic education and environment. No previous school experience is required although relevant experience is always helpful. This might be through other family members, associated professional experience or study. Or maybe you are just interested, need a fresh start and feel you have something to offer and you need someone to give you an opportunity?

We want our pupils to be the best they can be. Are you someone who can help us do that?

Are you thoughtful, compassionate and reflective and a team player?

Do you want to support pupils to engage, learn and achieve?

Do you share our ethos of kindness, curiosity, integrity and participation?

Do you have bags of energy and are you someone who thinks, watches and listens but also takes initiative?

Do you have an interest in, or experience of, working or living with autistic young people?

If so, then you could be the resilient and collaborative person who needs to join our school community. We work hard, have a desire to learn, are adaptable and have a 'can do' attitude. If you are someone who embraces a challenge and has a sense of humour we would love to hear from you.

In return, we can offer you professional fulfilment and development, care and attention to wellbeing, a lot of fun and a brilliant and supportive team to work with.

The Hawthorns is one of a community of Special Schools, supported by the well-established and highly regarded SEAX Trust. The Trust respects and trusts each school to evolve its unique identity, whilst providing layers of support and networking at all professional levels. Do consider joining us in achieving our goals. At least come and see us. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Please find further information about the benefits of working within SEAX Trust in the attached information pack. We are a Trust which truly values its staff and successful applicants will have a wealth of benefits, including same-day GP appointments, free physiotherapy, counselling and a range of other wellbeing incentives. If you would like more information, please telephone the school on 01245 207607. We welcome your interest.

Best wishes

Hayley Kersey

Headteacher

Information about the School

The Hawthorns School opened its doors in January 2023 for children with autism. We are now in our beautiful purpose-built school in the heart of Chelmsford and are extending our provision for KS3 and KS4 pupils.

The provision at the school caters for pupils who have a diagnosis of autism and offers a full-time education with a focus on social communication, emotional regulation and relationship-building while, at the same time, offering a broad and balanced range of curriculum subjects, including literacy and numeracy.

Pupils will be aged 7-16 and will have an EHCP. There will be ten residential places available for pupils from Monday to Thursday each school week. These will be managed by the school and will enhance the day curriculum offer.

We have established a school which embodies the ethos, vision and values of the SEAX Trust and the other schools in the Trust (Thriftwood School & College, Langham Oaks School, Grove House School and Kingswode Hoe School).

The Hawthorns' mission:

Our mission is to provide a personalised and imaginative curriculum designed to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to build the basis for a purposeful and fulfilling adult life for young people with autism. Through outstanding teaching and secure relationships, pupils will gain the confidence to communicate effectively, acquire appropriate accreditation for next steps forward, learn core skills for life, develop healthy relationships, self-advocate, contribute to their community and keep themselves safe.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

Advert & Headteacher's Letter

Job Description and Person Specification

Key Information Sheet

Work for SEAX Trust

Recruitment and Selection Policy Statement

Privacy Notice

Contact Information

Laura Roberts

The Hawthorns School

Thornhurst Road, Chelmsford

Essex, CM1 2XT

Telephone: 01245 207607

Email: admin@thehawthornsschool.com

#s1-Gen

This is a unique opportunity to join us in providing a holistic education and environment. No previous school experience is required although relevant experience is always helpful. This might be through other family members, associated professional experience or study. Or maybe you are just interested, need a fresh start and feel you have something to offer and you need someone to give you an opportunity?

We want our pupils to be the best they can be. Are you someone who can help us do that?

·Are you thoughtful, compassionate and reflective and a team player?

·Do you want to support pupils to engage, learn and achieve?

·Do you share our ethos of kindness, curiosity, integrity and participation?

·Do you have bags of energy and are you someone who thinks, watches and listens but also takes initiative?

·Do you have an interest in, or experience of, working or living with autistic young people?

If so, then you could be the resilient and collaborative person who needs to join our school community. We work hard, have a desire to learn, are adaptable and have a 'can do' attitude. If you are someone who embraces a challenge and has a sense of humour we would love to hear from you.

In return, we can offer you professional fulfilment and development, care and attention to wellbeing, a lot of fun and a brilliant and supportive team to work with.

The Hawthorns is one of a community of Special Schools, supported by the well-established and highly regarded SEAX Trust. The Trust respects and trusts each school to evolve its unique identity, whilst providing layers of support and networking at all professional levels. Do consider joining us in achieving our goals. At least come and see us. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!, The Hawthorns School opened its doors in January 2023 for children with autism. We are now in our beautiful purpose-built school in the heart of Chelmsford and are extending our provision for KS3 and KS4 pupils.

The provision at the school caters for pupils who have a diagnosis of autism and offers a full-time education with a focus on social communication, emotional regulation and relationship-building while, at the same time, offering a broad and balanced range of curriculum subjects, including literacy and numeracy.

Pupils will be aged 7-16 and will have an EHCP. There will be ten residential places available for pupils from Monday to Thursday each school week. These will be managed by the school and will enhance the day curriculum offer.

We have established a school which embodies the ethos, vision and values of the SEAX Trust and the other schools in the Trust (Thriftwood School & College, Langham Oaks School, Grove House School and Kingswode Hoe School).

The Hawthorns' mission:

Our mission is to provide a personalised and imaginative curriculum designed to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to build the basis for a purposeful and fulfilling adult life for young people with autism. Through outstanding teaching and secure relationships, pupils will gain the confidence to communicate effectively, acquire appropriate accreditation for next steps forward, learn core skills for life, develop healthy relationships, self-advocate, contribute to their community and keep themselves safe.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

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