This is an exciting opportunity to join Launchpad and PACE, where we aim to deliver the very best educational experiences for pupils across the primary and secondary age range. Our provisions are welcoming, calm, and purposeful and, within a nurturing ethos. Our learners are stretched academically, supported pastorally, and developed socially and emotionally.
We are looking to appoint a Senior Learning Assistant to join our passionate and hardworking teams.
The role will be at our KS4 PRU.
If you are looking for a new and rewarding challenge in alternative education and are committed to making a difference, then we look forward to hearing from you.
Closing date: Wednesday 24th January 2024 at 9.00am.
Interviews will take place in the week beginning Monday 29th January 2024
The interviews will be at the Beacon Building, St. Helens.
If you are interested in this position, and want a conversation and or to arrange a visit, then you are welcome to contact the Tracey Harvey (Teacher in Charge) at the following email address: TraceyHarvey@StHelens.gov.uk
Alternative Provision in St. Helens:
St. Helens Local Authority believes every child should be able to access an education which will enable them to achieve their full potential regardless of their individual needs, background and postcode within the borough. To achieve this, alternative provision in St. Helens plays a key role. Alternative provision provides support for children during some of the most challenging times of their lives, capitalising on support that has already been put in place at their schools and going that extra mile to meet their needs and transform a child’s life chances. There are two DfE registered provisions that are run by the local authority, both have been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted. They are Launchpad and PACE:
About LAUNCHPAD:
Launchpad KS3 Pupil Referral Unit
Provision for: Key Stage 3 Maximum: 20 pupils
Launchpad KS3 is a pupil referral unit with a maximum capacity of 25 students from years 7 to 9 (ages 11-14 years). Students are referred to the provision by their mainstream schools when they are at risk of permanent exclusion via the Fair access Panel. The pupils follow a KS3 curriculum studying Maths, English, Science, PHSE, History, Art, PE, Food tech and can achieve AQA accreditation for some of their work.
Launchpad KS4 Pupil Referral Unit
Provision for: Key Stage 4 Maximum: 40 pupils
Launchpad KS4 Pupil Referral Unit offers educational provision for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties in Year 10 and 11.
Pupils that are dual registered are referred for a 2- or 3-day placement by their mainstream school if it is felt that they are capable of achieving either academic accreditations or vocational qualifications with us or our Alternative Education partners..
For the pupils attending Launchpad KS4 who are single registered, the opportunity is given to both access Alternative Education and study for vocational qualifications alongside academic qualifications such as GCSE, thereby providing a comprehensive 5-day educational package if it is felt this is more appropriate to their needs.
The Alternative Education Provision through the Key Stage 4 PRU is by external quality assured providers who specialise in meeting the needs of learners who have experienced social, emotional, and mental health difficulties in mainstream provision. The learners have an opportunity within Alternative Education to access vocational learning and linked accreditation from entry 3 up to level 2 depending on ability. Learners on Alternative Education will have an educational package built to suit their individual needs. The package may include a vocational qualification, functional skills in English and Maths or a work placement to ensure an effective transition to post 16 education.
Launchpad Tuition Services
Provision for: Key Stage 3 and 4 Maximum: 35 pupils
Launchpad Tuition Service offers provision to vulnerable young people who are unable to cope with the pressures of mainstream school and are in need of inclusive support. The Tuition base offers on-site educational provision for vulnerable pupils with medical and/or complex needs. The difficulties experienced by young people, which results in their referral to the unit often encompass mental health needs including depression, self-harming, phobias, and extreme anxiety. We also offer provision for pupils who are too frail to safely access a mainstream secondary school due to medical conditions such as epilepsy, mobility, heart and lung defects or anorexia. There are also a number of pupils who are neurodiverse. Pupils study the National Curriculum and study for GCSE’s and Functional Skills.
Day 6 Base
Provision for: Key Stage 2, 3 and 4
The Day 6 Base offers temporary placement for permanently excluded pupils from day 6 of their exclusion. Pupils continue to study core subjects, personal and social education, and short unit work, accredited through AQA Awards. Staff support pupils into their next provision or new mainstream school wherever possible.
About PACE:
PACE is a short stay Pupil Referral Unit provision designed to support Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) back into mainstream education. At this moment there are places for 25 children, to serve the 54 primary schools in the borough.
Provision for: Key Stage 1 and 2
Maximum: 25 pupils
