Learning Support Assistant –Social, Emotional and Mental Health; SEMH

Overview

Post Reference: 2766

Job Title:

Learning Support Assistant – Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)

Grade: B3 (Actual Salary £23,292 to £24,826)

Hours:

37 hours per week, term time only plus 10 days

Accountable to:
Connect Manager

Leeds East Academy is a thriving 11-16 school committed to transforming the lives of young people through education. Rooted in values of resilience, integrity, trust, and ambition, the academy fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to excel, regardless of their background. As part of the White Rose Academies Trust, the school is dedicated to delivering a world-class education, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its students and embracing innovative approaches to learning.

Recognised by Ofsted in 2024 for its strong leadership, positive student behaviour, and personal development opportunities, Leeds East Academy has undergone remarkable improvement in recent years. The school is driven by the belief that every child can achieve exceptional outcomes. More than just a place of learning, the academy nurtures and inspires students, equipping them with the skills and character to succeed in life and contribute positively to society.

We are committed to investing in our staff and supporting their continuous professional growth. As part of our Trust, colleagues have access to a range of nationally recognised qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6, fully funded by the organisation. We provide protected time during the working week to enable staff to complete these qualifications successfully, ensuring professional development is both achievable and meaningful.

This commitment reflects our belief in nurturing talent and supporting career progression across all roles within the Trust.

Leeds East Academy is part of White Rose Academies Trust, a local trust dedicated to raising aspirations and unlocking the potential of young people across Leeds. Together, we are committed to delivering a world-class education and creating life-changing opportunities for all.

Connect is our academy’s specialist, nurturing pathway for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Purpose-built and highly resourced, it offers a calm, structured environment where pupils receive personalised support to re-engage with learning and rebuild confidence.

The provision includes two dedicated learning rooms, each led by an Inclusion Leader who ensures consistency, aspiration and a positive climate for growth. Oversight comes from the Connect Manager, who drives the strategic vision and maintains high-quality support across the team. You’ll be joining a committed group of five colleagues, all working together to deliver a cohesive, specialist offer for our learners.

Connect provides an adapted curriculum, targeted interventions and exceptional pastoral care to help students overcome barriers, develop key social and emotional skills, and prepare for a successful return to mainstream lessons.

In this role, you’ll be central to that mission. Working closely with the Inclusion Leader, Connect Manager and teaching staff, you’ll help create a safe, encouraging space where pupils feel understood and supported. Your work will include guiding emotional regulation, promoting engagement, supporting daily routines and delivering tailored activities that make a real difference.

This is a rewarding opportunity to champion some of our most vulnerable learners through a compassionate, relationship driven approach—giving every student the tools they need to thrive.

Part of White Rose Academies Trust - Leeds East Academy is accelerating on a thrilling journey, which will ultimately see the school, its staff and its students, secure continued strides for the school and the community that it serves.

We are securing our vision for World Class by growing our family of exceptional education professionals; dedicated specialists and passionate leaders with the shared goal of transforming future prospects for the next generation in West Yorkshire.

The trust currently employs over 500 members of staff and is responsible for educating and…