Learning Support Assistant

We are looking for Learning Support Assistants with a desire to help SEND students in our thriving academy.

Your opportunity​​​​​​​

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Attending to the pupil’s personal needs and implement related personal programmes, including social, health, physical hygiene and welfare matters (it will sometimes be necessary to direct LSAs to support pupil’s intimate care needs in line with the academy Intimate Care Policy and to maintain the pupil's health, safety and personal dignity)
• Supporting the implementation of person centred planning and targets for SEND pupils.
• Liaising with appropriate external SEND or health professionals to ensure that advice on provision for individual SEND pupils is effectively implemented.
• Supervising and supporting SEND pupils ensuring their safety and access to learning;
• Encouraging and supporting SEND pupils to develop appropriate and increasing levels of independence;
• Undertaking record keeping and assessment for SEND pupils as requested;
• Supporting the teacher in managing pupil behaviour, reporting difficulties and adopting recommended strategies as appropriate;
• Support the teacher in the preparation of appropriate resources for SEND pupils
• Preparing and maintaining equipment/resources for SEND pupils as directed by the teacher and to assist pupils in their use;
• Supporting in the appropriate lunchtime provision for SEND and other vulnerable pupils.
• Assisting with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school;
• Accompanying teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required.

This role would be ideal for graduates of Maths, English, Science, History or Spanish who are interested in gaining classroom experience ahead of teacher training.

As part of Harris, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education in London. With regular progression opportunities and outstanding CPD for support staff, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether at Harris Academy Riverside, in one of our other 49 academies, or in our central team. Our aim is to help you achieve your ambitions more quickly.

What we are looking for

We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London, and helping create exceptional places of learning. The successful candidate will:

• Be educated to GCSE Level standard or equivalent (ideally, to undergraduate degree level or equivalent)
• Have knowledge and understanding of pupils with social and emotional difficulties that may impact upon their behaviour, and ideally, have basic knowledge of a range of a range of other learning barriers that may impact upon SEND pupils
• Be able to communicate effectively and clearly both verbally and in writing
• Have knowledge of Microsoft software
• Have some knowledge of some of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Have two years’ experience working in a school/educational establishment and, ideally, have knowledge of the National Curriculum
• Have experience working with SEND pupils in specialist/mainstream setting, and ideally, of working with students from a range of ethnic backgrounds
• Ideally, have knowledge and understanding of Picture Exchange Communication (PECS), Makaton or other forms of communication for SEND pupils and of Communicate in Print 

Please download the job pack for a full job description and person specification.

Next Steps

Please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. You will need this when completing your online application.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us via e-mail, or call to arrange a conversation.

Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn without notice. Applications will only be considered if submitted online and before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our Benefits Package

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package.

Find out more about Our Benefits

Being a part of the Harris Federation

We are recognised as the top performing large multi-academy trust in England for primary and secondary education. Closing the gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers has always been a core mission of Harris. Holding a reputation for bringing transformative approaches to education, we hold a unrivalled track record in achieving success through rapid school improvement.

Our people are at the heart of this success. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of training programmes available at every stage of your career.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

Learn more About Harris and our Vision and Values

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.

Read our Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders

Diversity and Equality

We are committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education.

Read our Diversity and Equality Notice