Learning Support Assistant for Vision Impaired Students

Philip Morant School & College

Learning Support Assistant for Vision Impaired Students

Pay Range: Local Government Scale 6

Actual Salary from: £20,859 – £22,331 (Points 13-17)

Start Date: As soon as possible

Fixed Term until 31st August 2027

The Role

We have a growing number of vision impaired students across all ages including sixth form in our enhanced provision at Philip Morant School and College.  

As stated in our Ofsted report:

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those in the enhanced provision, are very well catered for. Teachers know the pupils and their needs well. They use pupils’ support plans to make sure that they participate. Specialist staff effectively support those pupils with visual impairment and those who are deaf.”

We are looking for a new learning support assistant to join the team working for our Qualified Team of Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (QTVI) to support our growing number of students in the school.

For further information or to arrange a visit, please email michaela.bacon@pmsc.school.

• This role is offered on a fixed term basis until 31st August 2027.
• This post is 33.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time, plus non-pupil days)
•  The working pattern will be 8:15am – 3:30pm Monday-Thursday and 8:15am to 3:15pm Friday (including a 30-minute unpaid break).

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing direct support during lessons in order for student(s) to access their learning, including the use of specialist resources such as braille and tactile diagrams during a busy mainstream lesson.
• Work in partnership with the QTVI and class teachers in the planning of lessons including the adaptations of materials and direct support that students with a vision impairment will need to be included and make progress.
• Pre-tutoring support where necessary to ensure pupils have the required knowledge and familiarity with the resources, skills and concepts to be used in the lesson.
• Post-tutoring where necessary to check understanding, and reinforce key learning points.
• Support with school events run by the QTVI which encourage social skills and meeting other students with a vision impairment, such as Braille Buddies Club.

(The full details can be found in the attached Job Outline and Person Specification).

We're looking for you if you have:

• Specialist knowledge and experience, including being fully contracted in Braille or the willingness to learn Braille.
• Experience of working with or supporting learners with a vision impairment, including Braille.
• Ability to organise time effectively, creating work schedules, prioritising workload and meeting deadlines
• Ability to be proactive, enthusiastic and committed by taking ownership to ensure tasks are delivered
• Commitment to safeguarding and child protection.

If you are an enthusiastic person with experience and passionate about supporting our vision impaired students, who would like to work in a supportive and collaborative environment and you feel that you have the enthusiasm and commitment required to join our school, please apply.

If you would like any further information please email michaela.bacon@pmsc.school

Why work for The Sigma Trust, Philip Morant School & College?

We can offer you:

• A Competitive Salary
• Robust school CPD training programme that enables you to flourish
• Opportunities to work with colleagues across the Trust to share resources, ideas and build collaborative relationships

Employee benefits include:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension scheme
• Free membership to Perkbox
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discounted gym membership at selected local gyms

Please note that an integration period applies to all new staff joining the Trust, to support introduction into the organisation.

Additional Information:

For additional information about the Trust and this school, please visit our website www.sigmatrust.org.uk

To Apply

To apply for this post, please follow the URL link provided below:

https://careers.sigmatrust.org.uk/Apply/U2la0ddcnbWEgQXBwbGljYXRpb24gRm9ybSBOb3ZlbWJlciAyMDIzfDM5fDU1NjU1N3wxfHxGYWxzZXwyMTIyfDMwOTA4NTl8MA%3d%3d?i=kUwheAXooio%3d

Please note that only fully completed application forms will be accepted and any CV’s and accompanying covering letters will be disregarded. A Notes for Applicants document is attached for further information

• Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 19th May
• Interviews: Week commencing 20th May

The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision ‘To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts’, where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.