‘Are you passionate about making a real difference in children’s lives?’
Join our dedicated team at Larks Hill J&I School and help shape the future of young learners through meaningful support and care.
About the role
We’re seeking a fantastic Learning Support Assistant (SEN) who is enthusiastic, compassionate, and ready to go the extra mile to support pupils with special educational needs. This is a rewarding opportunity to work closely with children, helping them thrive both academically and personally.
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:
- Provide tailored support to individual pupils and small groups
- Assist with learning activities and interventions across the school.
- Support pupils’ personal needs to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment.
- Work collaboratively with teaching and support staff to enhance pupil development
- Help maintain a positive and constructive classroom atmosphere, responding to behaviour in line with school policies.
What we’re looking for
To be successful, you’ll need:
- Experience working with or caring for children or young people
- A warm, approachable manner and strong communication skills.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team
- A genuine passion for helping children overcome challenges and reach their full potential
This is a permanent job share position, working 16.50 hours per week during term time plus an additional two days, to start as soon as possible.
Larks Hill J&I School
A high-achieving school, which is recognised both locally and nationally as a school which is one of the highest performing. Larks Hill is a one form entry primary school, part of Pontefract Academies Trust. At Larks Hill, we are committed to investing in all of our children to prepare and provide them with the educational and life skills they will need to be successful in high school and future careers. We want children to be the ‘very best version of themselves’. In 2024 we achieved 93% for reading, writing and maths with 39% of the 2024 cohort achieving greater depth in reading, writing and maths, leading us to being recognised as one of the top ten highest achieving schools in Yorkshire. In 2025, our outcomes remain one of the highest nationally, achieving over 50% combined in greater depth across reading, writing and maths. Additionally, we proudly secured the 121st spot in the prestigious 2024 'Times Top 500 Primary Schools in England' list, firmly establishing us within the top 3% of primary schools across the country. In March 2025, Ofsted praised the school as outstanding in all five inspected judgement areas, confirming our commitment to excellence.
About Pontefract Academies Trust
Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primary and two secondary schools. Our mission is to run high-quality, high-achieving schools that give our children and young people the chances in life they deserve.
We are proud of the exceptional progress our schools are making. At Key Stage 2, our primary outcomes are 24% above the national average, with five of our seven primaries ranked in the top 5% nationally for combined outcomes. In the last 12 months alone, three of our primary schools – Carleton Park, Larks Hill, and Halfpenny Lane – were rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted. Our secondary schools also continue to deliver strong outcomes. Key Stage 4 results in English, Maths and Science are consistently well above the national average, and both schools received successful Ofsted visits in 2022 and 2024.
We take pride in our workplace culture and the strength of our team. In our 2025 Staff Survey with Edurio, we received outstanding feedback, earning three awards based on national data from the 2024/25 academic year:
- National: Trust Value Award – Excellence
- Regional: Staff Choice Award (Larks Hill Junior & Infant School)
- Regional: Trust Benefit School Award (De Lacy Primary School)
These awards reflect the culture we’ve built – one where staff feel valued, listened to, and part of something meaningful.
Looking ahead, we’ve recently announced an exciting development, a proposed merger with Ark Schools, planned for September 2026. This step reflects our ambition to grow, never settle, and to do what’s right for our pupils, staff, and community. This change will bring even stronger support, greater collaboration, and more opportunities. We’re excited for what’s ahead and we hope that you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.
What can we offer you?
We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:
- For the 2025/26 academic year, we will be providing staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.
- Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.
- Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities
- Generous employer pension (West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS)
- Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (26 - 33 days based on service and grade) + 8 statutory bank holidays,
- Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance
- Cycle to work scheme, Blue Light card, discounted gym membership
- Free eyecare via Specsavers, childcare vouchers
- Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)
- Discounts at numerous retailers including O2
- Free flu vaccinations.
School Visits
Potential candidates are welcome to visit our school. This is a great opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and get a feel for the vibrant community we have built here. We look forward to welcoming you and answering any questions you may have
Application Process
- Complete an application form via our website: www.pontefractacademiestrust.org.uk
Important Links
Pontefract Academies Trust website www.pontefractacademiestrust.org.uk/
Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028 www.pontefractacademiestrust.org.uk/strategy2025-2028/
Larks Hill Website https://larkshill.patrust.org.uk/
Contact Information
- Tel 01977 722845
- Email recruitment@larkshill.patrust.org.uk