Learning Support Assistant (Polden Centre).
Part time - 33.75 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus 2 INSET days and some Twilight sessions)
Working hours: 8:05am to 3:20pm (with 30 minute unpaid lunch break) Monday to Friday
Salary: Band 5, Points 7-9. Actual starting salary: £20,533.38 per annum
Anticipated start date: September 2026
Bridgwater College Academy is seeking to appoint a skilled and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our ASC Polden Centre Team, working predominantly within Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about supporting young people with autism and committed to inclusive education.
The successful candidate will work within the specialist ASC base as well as supporting students in mainstream classes. You will help individual students and small groups to engage positively with learning, promote constructive behaviour, and will be supported to deliver tailored SEND interventions within our specialist provision.
To be considered for this role, you should:
- Have proven experience working with children with ASC, language and communication needs, or other SEND
- Have a genuine desire to understand and support the needs of students with autism
- Demonstrate a calm, positive approach and be a clear, confident communicator
- Be able to develop and maintain trusting, professional relationships with students and staff
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a dedicated and inclusive team within our ASC base, making a meaningful difference to the educational experience of our students.
What We Offer
- Employee reward scheme including high-street discounts and a staff wellbeing centre
- Generous local government pension scheme
- On site parking
Applications will be considered as they are received, and early submission is strongly encouraged. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date should a suitable candidate be identified.
Closing Date for applications: Sunday 7 th June 2026 at 11:59pm
We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.
We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, employer pension contribution of at least 19%, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.
We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are 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 and civil partnerships.
Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, which will include a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
