Learning Associate - Pedagogic

Overview

We are looking for a higher level teaching assistant who:

Is hard working and an intuitive team player
Has high expectations of themselves and the children
Has the ability and determination to inspire and motivate children to achieve their best
Wants to contribute to the school as a whole

As a member of our staff you can expect:

Brilliant children – enthusiastic and able, with excellent attitudes to learning
Strong leadership; a school that is well organised and managed
A fantastic staff; supportive and friendly.
Continuing Professional Development
Excellent resources

Job Description

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Plan, prepare, deliver, assess, report and mark learning activities for individuals/groups or short term for whole classes under an agreed system of supervision. Responsible for the management and development of a specialist area within the school where required.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS

Assess the needs of pupils and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support pupils' learning
Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations
Develop and implement IEPs
Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom
Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs
Encourage pupils to interact and work cooperatively with others and engage all pupils in activities
Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance
Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement.

SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS

Organise and manage appropriate learning environment and resources
Use teaching and learning objectives to plan challenging teaching and learning objectives and to evaluate and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate within agreed systems of supervision
Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies against predetermined learning objectives
Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence
Be responsible for recording progress and achievement in lessons/activities systematically and providing evidence of range and level of progress and attainment
Establish a clear framework for discipline in line with established policy, anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self control and independence
Supporting the role of parents in pupils' learning and contribute to/lead meetings with parents to provide constructive feedback on pupil progress/achievement etc.
Administer and assess/mark tests and invigilate exams/tests
Production of lesson plans, worksheet, plans etc.

SUPPORT FOR THE CURRICULUM

Deliver learning activities to pupils within agreed system of supervision, adjusting activities according to pupil response/needs
Deliver literacy and numeracy programmes and make effective use of opportunities provided by other learning activities to support the development of literacy and numeracy skills
Use ICT effectively to support learning activities and develop pupils' competence and independence in its use
Select and prepare resources necessary to lead learning activities, taking account of pupils' interests and language and cultural backgrounds
Advise on appropriate deployment and use of specialist aid/resources/equipment

SUPPORT FOR THE SCHOOL

Comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person
Be aware of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school/work and to keep confidences as appropriate
Be aware of and support diversity and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school
Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support achievement and progress of pupils
Take the initiative to develop appropriate multi-agency approaches to supporting pupils
Lead for whole school in specialist area and share expertise and skills with others
Recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support others
Be responsible for the provision of out of school learning activities within guidelines established by the school
Contribute to the identification and execution of appropriate out of school learning activities which consolidate and extend work carried out in class

EQUALITIES

Ensure implementation and promotion in employment and service delivery of the Council's equal opportunities policies and statutory responsibilities.

Person specification

EXPERIENCE (Essential Requirements)

Experience working with children of relevant age in a learning environment

QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING (Essential Requirements)

Excellent numeracy/literacy skills - equivalent to NVQ Level 2

Meet Higher Level Teacher Assistant standards or equivalent qualification or experience

Training in the literacy/numeracy strategy

Specialist skills/training in curriculum or learning area e.g. bi-lingual, sign language, ICT

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS (Essential Requirements)

Can use ICT effectively to support learning

Full working knowledge of relevant polices/codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation

Working knowledge and experience of implementing national curriculum and other relevant learning programmes

Good understanding of child development and learning processes

Understanding of statutory frameworks relating to teaching

Constantly improve own practice/knowledge through self-evaluation and learning from others

Ability to relate well to children and adults

Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these

Salary & contract

35 hours a week, term time only

Scale 5 - £34,863 to £35,892 (full-time equivalent)

Pro rata (take home pay before deductions) £29,345 to £31,323.50

Fixed term until 22 July 2026

Location

John Ball Primary School
Southvale Road
Blackheath
London
SE3 0TP

Supporting documents and application form

Deadline and how to apply

To apply, please send completed Application Form, Safer Recruitment form and Equalities Monitoring form to Penny Ashcroft, hr@johnball.lewisham.sch.uk

Please use the job title as reference for your application.

Closing Date: Monday 6th July 2026

Interview Date: Wednesday 8th July 2026

Start Date: Wednesday 2nd September 2026

If you are invited to an interview you will be invited into the Nurture Burrow for 15 minutes to engage with the child-led activities. Afterwards, you will be asked for your initial observations, the questions you might ask and your suggested next steps for one or two of the children. You will also be asked the following question, which you can prepare in advance: Outline the ways you create a supportive learning environment to promote independence, attention and listening, communication and progress towards individual targets.

Equal opportunities

John Ball Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, volunteers and external agencies to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, internet profile check, medical clearance and satisfactory employment references.

John Ball Primary School is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation. As we are working to become a racially just school we actively invite applications from black and global majority groups.