Learning Support Assistant

Welcome to Ada!

The successful applicant will be experienced in supporting students with a range of learning needs including challenges with concentration and retention of knowledge, and those who may have diagnosed learning differences such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia  as well as English as Additional Language students. Some students will hold an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP). 

The postholder will need to have an enthusiasm for supporting the development and progress of individual students encouraging them to engage fully with college life whilst being motivated to contribute to the smooth running of our high performing college on a day-to-day basis.   

* Please read the accompanying 'Applicant Info Pack'  for the full details of the role

Main responsibilities and duties include

Support for Students

• Use specialist skills/ training/ experience to support students
• Establish productive working relationships with students, act as a role model and set high expectations
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students and  staff within the organisation.
• Support students consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs
• Read the EHCPs and/or stored information for your assigned student/group and be aware of the specific needs and planned strategies for your learners including the delivery of programmes of work and implementation of individual targets
• Encourage students to interact and work cooperatively with others and engage all students in activities
• Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance
• Assist students who have physical difficulties in their mobility around the College and in ensuring equipment is available eg. accompany students leaving class early, ensure books/equipment are available for each class, supervise alternative activities where necessary
• Provide feedback verbal and written to students about progress and achievement
• To supervise individual students, small groups or whole classes as required
• To support students with their attendance and punctuality by making phone calls, attending meetings or conducting home visits with another member of staff
• When required, to support students with remote access to teaching and learning resources

Support for Line Manager & Teachers

• Work with teachers to establish an appropriate learning environment
• Work with teachers in lesson planning, evaluating and adjusting lessons/ work plans as appropriate
• Monitor and evaluate students' responses to learning activities through observation and planned recording of achievement against predetermined learning objectives
• Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required, to the Line Manager on student achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence
• Be responsible for keeping and updating records as agreed with the Line Manager contributing to reviews of systems/ records as requested
• Maintain running records for students with EHCPs to reflect the work that is being undertaken and contribute to formal review processes led by the SENCO, such as termly support plan meetings and annual reviews
• Assist in the development and implementation of behaviour management strategies and promote positive values, attitudes and good student behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encourage students to take responsibility for their behaviour
• Liaise sensitively and effectively with parents/ carers as agreed with the Line Manager within your role/ responsibility and participate in feedback sessions/ meetings with parents, or as directed
• Administer and assess routine tests and invigilate exams/ tests or act as reader, scribe or other suitable support roles within the examinations process, following any necessary training
• Collaborate with the Line Manager and individual teachers to find appropriate ‘next steps’ for high need learners and support them with applications where they are progressing to external provision/work
• Provide general clerical/ admin support eg. photocopying, making lists, recording information, filing, producing worksheets for agreed activities etc.
• Under the direction of teachers, prepare the classroom for lessons and clear afterwards as appropriate

Support for the Curriculum

• Implement agreed learning activities/ teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to student responses/ needs
• Implement literacy and numeracy programmes and make effective use of opportunities provided by other learning activities to support the development of literacy and numeracy skills
• Support the use of technology in learning activities and develop students' competence and independence in its use
• Help students access learning activities through specialist support
• Assist with determining the need for specialist resources and help to develop lesson and work plans where these can be used to the best effect.

Support for the College

• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security and GDPR, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Be aware of confidential issues linked to home/ student/ teacher/ College/ work and keep confidence as appropriate
• Be aware of and support diversity and ensure all students have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
• Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the College
• Undertake planned supervision of students out of core learning hours, such as at open evening events or other occasions
• Supervise students on visits, trips and out of College activities as required
• Support and participate in whole College events and meetings

Safeguarding
Be fully aware of and understand the duties and responsibilities arising the College’s Safeguarding Policy 

Other
Carry out any other duties as may be required from time to time at the direction of the Principal.

Variation to this Job Description
This is a description of the job as it is at present, and is current at date of issue. The job description will be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure that appropriate revisions are incorporated, and that it relates to the job to be performed. 

Safeguarding
Ada, the National College for Digital Skill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and references will be sought from previous employers prior to commencing employment. Other related pre-employment checks appropriate to the post will also be carried out.

Equity, diversity and inclusion
Ada, National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. T

Applicants with disabilities
We are keen to increase the number of disabled people we employ. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please contact us.