Learning Support Assistant

Heath Farm School is an independent, co-educational, day school approved for up to 70 pupils from 5-18 years old who for a variety of reasons have not been able to sustain mainstream education: pupils have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and a range of additional learning difficulties including Asperger’s, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ASD, ODD, issues which require CAMHS involvement and Attachment Disorder.

Heath Farm is part of the Acorn Care and Education Group, the second largest private sector provider of special needs education in the country operating 20 schools for children and young people who have a range of social, emotional and mental health needs and also pupils who have been diagnosed with autism or demonstrate behaviours associated with autism.

Job Title: Learning Support Assistant

Salary: £15,145.00

Location: Heath Farm School / Ashford, Kent

Hours: 37.5

Contract: Permanent

About the role

Do you want a rewarding Career? To make a positive difference to young people and their lives? Are you patient, empathetic, resilient and supportive? If you have answered yes - we want you!

Heath Farm School has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join the supportive team.

We want each young person at Heath Farm to achieve their own ambitions and to live fulfilling and productive lives. We want you to encourage each individual to achieve their potential, despite of any challenges you or they may face. This can be achieved by assisting and supporting the class teachers with the agreed learning plans, whilst also being responsible for safeguarding the young people. This will include making sure they are healthy, safe and as comfortable as possible and assisting with the physical, emotional and personal care needs for each individual.

Who are we looking for?

Heath Farm wants a responsible, friendly and thoughtful individual who has a passion for caring for and ultimately, making a difference to young lives. You will ideally understand some of the challenges that you could be faced with as it will be a challenging yet rewarding role.

We need someone who can work well within a team, has great communication skills, can manage their workload and be prepared for the varying difficulties the role may present. You also must have a Grade C or above GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths.

Key responsibilities

• To support the Class Teachers in delivering agreed learning activities to ensure each individual child meets their discrete learning needs.
• To liaise with other staff members and parents to maximise the effect of support and learning for each child.
• To support the development of the children’s communication skills.
• To ensure high standards of personal hygiene for each student and support them with personal care needs
• To promote structure, boundaries and domestic routines; ensuring a pleasant, clean and safe environment for the students in your care
• To carry out all duties, as directed by the class teachers to maximise learning opportunities for all children and young people
• To support the development of communication skills by implementing communication goals in collaboration with Education, Multi-disciplinary team, Residential and Respite staff
• To assist with target setting, record keeping and assessment in classes
• To work with individual children and young people and small groups under the direction and planning of the teachers
• To undertake relevant training programmes as and when required by the School

Essential criteria

• You must be available to work the shifts required.
• You must have a Grade C or above in your Maths and English GCSE’s or equivalent
• You must have a level of fitness which will allow you to handle certain challenges you may face with the young people.

Why work for us?

• Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference.
• Be part of a supportive and dedicated team.
• Continuous professional development and training.
• Internal Promotion.
• Staff meals.
• Potential overtime.

Acorn Care and Education are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBS. We expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment and strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for everybody in our care. A full application form must be completed with all employment dates accurate and gaps in employment accounted for.