Learning Support Assistant (SEND)

Contract type - Full time Permanent x7, Fixed term (covering maternity leave) x3; Part time permanent x6; Part time permanent Midday x5 

Salary scale &  range - Band 5 SCP 5-6 £25,583 - £25,989

Actual pay: £19,031 - £19,332

32 hours per week, Term Time plus 1 week (39 weeks); part time hours pro rata pay

Location - Bradford, West Yorkshire

Closing date - Sunday 11.59pm 12th April 2026

Start of employment date: As soon as possible 

We are seeking to appoint 21 committed and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistants (SEND) to join our vibrant and expanding specialist secondary school, Co-op Academy Southfield on a range of contracts: seven full time permanent vacancies; three fixed term vacancies (covering maternity leave); six part-time permanent vacancies; and five midday permanent vacancies!   

As one of the largest secondary special schools in the UK, we provide high-quality education for young people aged 11-19 with a wide range of complex needs.  

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly skilled, supportive and values driven staff team committed to ensuring that every student achieves their full potential.

About the role

Learning Support Assistants play a vital role in supporting students both academically and pastorally. As a Specialist Learning Support Assistant within our SEND school, you will work closely with teachers to deliver bespoke, specialist education tailored to meet the evolving needs of SEN pupils, including those with complex requirements. You will develop and implement personalised learning to support each pupil’s unique needs and abilities. You will also use innovative teaching methods and resources to engage and inspire young learners and collaborate with external agencies and our wider inclusion team to ensure holistic support for pupil’s development enabling a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes confidence and growth.

This role would ideally suit someone who:

• Has experience in SEND 
• Is passionate about working with young people with complex additional needs and is committed to inclusive education.  
• A resilient, patient and emotionally intelligent individual, with the ability to build strong trusting relationships.
• Is calm and consistent when supporting behaviour
• Has high expectations for every young person
• Works well as part of a multidisciplinary team

Experience in school settings, care, youthwork, residential settings or alternative provision is desirable but not essential.  We welcome applications from graduates considering a career in teaching, education psychology, therapy or social care, as well as individuals seeking a rewarding career change.  Full training and ongoing professional development will be provided. 

This is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding role within a dynamic specialist setting. If you are committed to inclusive education and want to be part of a school that truly changes lives, we would love to hear from you. 

About us:

Co-op Academy Southfield is part of The Co-op Academies Trust and is co-located with Co-op Academy Grange, a mainstream secondary Academy in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Co-op Academy Southfield caters for over 350 students and we are one of the largest special schools in the country. We have on-site support from other professionals including Speech and Language Therapists, the School Nursing team, Physiotherapy teams as well as support from Social Care and other services. We enjoy close links with education, leisure, sporting and commercial organisations across the locality and we are keen to actively promote these partnerships for the benefit of the children in our care.

Co-op Academies Trust aims to provide an outstanding education for all our learners, founded on co-operative values, at the heart of the community. It is responsible for thirty-eight Academies across Greater Manchester, Staffordshire & Merseyside and West Yorkshire with the Co-op acting as the sponsor.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salaries, pension schemes and recognised continuous service
• A superb and comprehensive range of CPD activities to further develop your career
• Access to counselling services & Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
• Free access to our ‘Health Assured' a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Wisdom  - our Health & Wellbeing app to support your well being on the go
• Free flu vaccinations and eye tests with money towards glasses
• You’ll get being a Co-op member, you’ll get a Co-op colleague discount card. This gives you a 30% discount on most Co-op branded products and 10% from non-branded products
• Co-operative discounts and flexible benefits (discounted line rental and broadband package, family care advice and cycle to work scheme, insurance & legal, season tickets, funeral care benefit)
• Discounted gym membership and leisure activities which includes discounts on Merlin Entertainments (Sea Life, Legoland etc), Virgin Experience Days, SuperBreak and many more!
• Co-operative Credit Union: save directly from your salary and receive a competitive dividend. Borrowers can benefit from very competitive interest rates & terms (in comparison with other high street lenders)     

How to Apply:

To apply please complete your application via the Trust website

www.southfield.coopacademies.co.uk/vacancies

Application closing date: 11.59pm, Sunday 12th April 2026

Shortlisting date: To be confirmed

Recruitment selection date: To be confirmed

Co-op Academies Trust is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage or civil partnerships.

Co-op Academies Trust as an aware employer is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults as its number one priority. This commitment to robust recruitment, selection and induction procedures extends to organisations and services linked to the Trust on its behalf.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check with appropriate children and/or adults barred list check if necessary. A person who is included in the children or adults barred list commits an offence if they engage in regulated activity from which they are barred.



 We value variety and individual differences, and aim to create a culture, environment and practices at all levels which encompass acceptance, respect and inclusion. All our colleagues are expected to demonstrate a commitment to co-operative values and principles, and the Ways of Being Co-op.