What a heart warming feeling it is to bring a smile to anothers face. But do you know what lasts longer than a smile? The feeling of supporting and empowering people with learning disabilities and autism to live a life that makes sense to them.

Seeing the difference that YOU can make as a Learning Support Assistant (Teaching Assistant). Now that IS rewarding….

Due to expansion, we are recruiting more Learning Support Workers. The roles are term-time only (41 weeks a year)

You'll join the team at MacIntyre School, a vibrant residential school for children with autism and severe learning disabilities. We're located in the pretty village of Wingrave, between Aylesbury and Leighton Buzzard. You don't need experience, just patience, warmth and the ability to learn. We provide full free training, up to NVQ Level 3. Of course any experience as a Support Worker or Healthcare Assistant working with people with learning disabilities would also stand you in good stead too.

You'll be a Learning Support Assistant (Teaching Assistant) working with students aged 10 - 19 who have complex learning disabilities. You'll provide support to students and the class teacher, both in the classroom and during off-site activities. Classes are made up of 6 students but you will be working on an individual 1:1 basis. On site we offer excellent facilities for our students and a dedicated team of education, social, health and therapy professionals to cater for their needs.

MacIntyre School's curriculum is a semi-formal one focused on developing communication, functional skills and independence in context. Learning takes place in class, in residential houses and in the community. It can include life skills (eg using public transport, shopping, cooking and claeaning) creative arts (including music and dance), physical activity (eg trampolining, walks and swimming), leisure activities (eg visting the libarary, photography or climbing) and work experience (such as on a farm or in a cafe).

Full-time (37.5 hours per week), and part-time work available (minimum 22.5 hours per week) with shifts of 7.5 hours a day.

Who are we?

Part of the national charity MacIntyre, the school was awarded “Good” at our recent Ofsted inspection. Here are some of the reasons you’ll enjoy joining our team:

“The principal and deputy principal want the very best for everyone in the school. Together with their caring and committed staff team, they have built on existing strengths and made important changes to the provision. One member of staff said, ‘It is a phenomenal team who are all passionately keen to drive this school forward.’”

“Leaders wisely place a strong emphasis on developing the skills of staff. There is a valuable programme in place to train new staff and managers. Appraisal is used well to promote improvements to teaching and learning. Leaders at all levels provide helpful feedback to staff that develops their practice. … One staff member said, ‘I’m doing things I never thought I could do.'"

Some things you need to know

• Students can present with behaviour that is challenging - we'll give you specialist training to help our students manage their behaviour


• You will need to provide personal care


• It would be helpful if you have a driving licence to drive school vehicles and your own transport, as the school is in a rural location


• Interest in outdoor learning and physical activity desirable.

Pay and Rewards

We also offer a range of benefits which include:

• 6.6 weeks (including statutory public holidays) raising with service to a maximum of 7.6 weeks (including statutory public holidays) after 5 years (pro rata for part time staff)


• Free training


• Workplace pension scheme


• MacIntyre pays for your DBS check


• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing


• MacIntyre Staff Savings Scheme


• Cashplan which provides money back on core health treatments such as: optical, dental, physiotherapy, chiropody


• MacIntyre Rewards Scheme


• MacIntyre Perks which offers up to 6% discount off leading retailers including Tesco, Curry/PC World, Costa and many more

Salaries are dependent on relevant qualifications. Part time positions are pro rata. The annual salary range quoted above is the actual range for this term-time role.

Next Steps

If this job sounds like the right fit for you, click on the green Apply button on the MacIntyre website, complete some brief details and upload your CV.

Alternatively if you would prefer to complete a manual application form, you can either download from the attachments on our website advert or phone the Admin office at the school on 01296 681 274 and we will send an application form to you.

Please note: we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today.

Safer Recruitment Statement

MacIntyre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Therefore we work with successful candidates to complete appropriate checks prior to joining..

Empowering people with a learning disability to live a life that makes sense to them

Contact 01908 357016 in case of query. Registered Charity No. 250840