1:1 Learning Support Assistant / General Learning Support Assistant
The Holy Cross School
Kingston upon Thames
- Expiring soon
- Salary:
- GLPC 3-4 (36 hrs, 45.2/52 weeks) • Actual salary: £24,875 - £25,230
- Job type:
- Full Time, Part Time, Permanent
- Apply by:
- 2 March 2026
Job overview
The role can be full time or part time – all applications will be considered • Term-time only • To start as soon as possible
We are seeking a skilled, enthusiastic and committed individual to provide 1:1 support as part of our established SEND team, working closely with a pupil in Key Stage 3 with additional needs.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people with additional needs and helping them to access the curriculum. The role will involve working closely with the Special Educational Needs & Disabilities department and may include providing in-class support and working with individuals or small groups in the department’s resource area.
This position would suit a committed, flexible individual who is ready to make a positive impact on a pupil’s learning, development and wellbeing. It would also be an ideal role for someone considering a career in education or SEND support.
We offer:
A supportive and experienced SEND team.
Ongoing training and professional development, including support relating to Down syndrome.
The opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to a young person’s education.
Diversity in our school community
We pride ourselves on being a diverse, tolerant and welcoming school and we aim to create a workforce which reflects the community we serve. We are respectful of difference and diversity in our workforce. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minorty Ethnic candidates as these groups are currently under-represented in the workforce.
Person specification
The person specifcation focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effctively. It is expected that the successful applicant will have and can demonstrate:
Qualifcations & Training
5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), or equivalent, including English and Mathematics.
A good standard of written and spoken English.
Willingness to undertake training and professional development related to SEND, including Down syndrome.
Relevant qualifications or training in education, childcare or SEND are desirable.
Experience
Experience of working with children or young people with SEND.
Experience of supporting learners with Down syndrome is desirable, or a strong willingness to develop expertise in this area.
Experience of supporting learning on a 1:1 basis and/or within small groups.
Skills & Aptitudes
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong, trusting relationships.
Confidence in adapting learning and planning personalised support to meet individual needs.
Well organised, reflective and proactive in approach.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
Commitment to inclusive practice, consistency and relationship-building.
Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.
Competence in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
Personal Attributes
Conscientious, caring and reliable, with a strong commitment to supporting pupils’ learning and wellbeing.
Positive, solution-focused and resilient, with a good sense of humour.
Approachable and professional, able to work collaboratively with pupils, parents and colleagues.
Willing to contribute positively to the wider life of the school.
Other Essential:
A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Positive professional references (minimum of two).
Enhanced DBS check.
Key responsibilities
Work closely with the pupil, their family, and other professionals to build a strong relationship and develop a thorough understanding of the pupil’s individual needs.
Implement planned learning activities and teaching programmes as agreed with the SENDCo and class teacher, adapting activities in line with the pupil’s individual targets.
Use a range of strategies to support the pupil in accessing the curriculum, understanding lesson
expectations, and developing confidence and engagement in learning.
Liaise with external agencies, with the support of the SENDCo, and implement recommended strategies within the classroom.
Ensure all teachers are aware of the pupil’s needs and the most effective support strategies to use.
Support teachers in monitoring, assessing, and recording pupil progress.
Provide regular support and feedback to parents/carers, as agreed.
Support the pupil on school trips and outings, as appropriate.
Attend meetings within school as required.
Complete administrative tasks associated with the role, including accurate record keeping.
Apply for the post
To apply, having read the person specification above, please visit the school’s website to download and complete the CES Support Staff Application Form (https://www.holycross.kingston.sch.uk/)
Please refer to the ‘Notes to Applicants’ document (which can also be found on the school website) when completing your application to ensure all required forms are submitted.
Please submit applications to the Headteacher’s PA, Ms Silvana Saragosa-Voysey (apply@holycross.kingston.sch.uk)
For further information regarding this post or to visit the school, please contact Charlotte Cappalonga, SEND Coordinator (cappalonga1@holycross.kingston.sch.uk)
Closing date: Monday 2 March 2026.
The Holy Cross School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the recruitment process, based on the quality and quantity of applications received. This may be before the advertised closing date, and applicants will be notified where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references will be required prior to the commencement of this post.
Attached documents
About The Holy Cross School
About us
The Holy Cross School, founded in 1931 by the Congregation of Sisters of the Holy Cross, is a voluntary aided Roman Catholic School for girls aged between 11-18. At Key Stage 5 the school has worked in curriculum partnership with our local boys school, Richard Challoner, for the past thirty years and post 16 lessons are co-ed. The school converted to Academy status in August 2012 and maintains strong relationships with local schools, the Archdiocese, and the local authority. The school is proud to be acknowledged by the SSAT as being in the top 1% of all schools nationally for the exceptional progress made from Year 7 to 11. The school currently has 970 students on roll and employs over 100 staff. The Holy Cross School can offer you the opportunity to work in an outstanding school environment with well-behaved, motivated students who are keen to learn.
School Awards
We were delighted to have been awarded ‘World Class Schools’ accreditation in 2017 and have been reaccredited with ongoing World Class School status. In 2025 the school was awarded the Gold RACE Charter Mark. This award, recognised nationally, acknowledges our commitment to improving race equality and prioritising an inclusive culture where staff, students, parents and partners of all ethnicities are equally valued. We were rated 'Outstanding' in all areas, including the overall judgment, in a 2024 Catholic Schools inspection. Our inclusive, vibrant community and exceptional RE department received high praise.
Staff Development
We believe that effective professional development is an essential component in our drive for excellence. We are committed to providing training as appropriate to your role, stage in your career and future aspirations, and will support your on-going professional development.
Continuing Professional Development
We offer an array of training opportunities to support staff development. These range from safeguarding training given to all members of staff, CPD sessions based on identified training needs for all teaching as well as non-teaching staff, external courses and participation in nationally recognised Leadership Programmes. We particularly encourage staff to train as examiners for GCSEs/A Levels in order to further raise attainment. We facilitate mentoring for staff in new roles and provide a tailored support programme where necessary. Further development is also identified through learning walks and lesson observations and is discussed as an integral aspect of the staff appraisal process. Staff may opt to train as First Aiders or undertake Minibus Driver training.
Staff Induction
If your employment at Holy Cross commences at the start of the academic year in September you will be invited for an induction day towards the end of the Summer Term. All other new staff will receive induction and this will be arranged at a mutually convenient time either prior to employment or as soon as possible.
Additional Benefits
Membership of a Pension Scheme
All staff that join the school are automatically enrolled into a pension scheme. For Teachers, this is the Teachers’ Pensions Scheme and for Non-Teachers the Local Government Pension Scheme. Each month, the school contributes towards these funds for all staff that are members of the schemes. The current rates of the school’s Employers’ contributions is 23.68% for Teachers and 22.20% for Non Teachers of an individual’s pensionable pay. A member of staff may opt out of a scheme at any time by providing a written request to do so.
Cycle to Work Scheme
The cycle to work scheme is available to all staff and works by way of salary sacrifice. It enables you to get new bikes and accessories tax-free, saving on average about half the cost.
Employee Assistance Programme
‘Health Assured’ is a confidential, independent provider of support services, including counselling available to council employees. All Holy Cross staff will have access to this free service which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and is accessible by phone, email, online and via instant messaging.
Eye Care
Staff are entitled to claim up to £20 towards the cost of an eye test, as part of their role, if they regularly use a computer, laptop or other display screen equipment (DSE). You can claim up to £50 towards the cost of glasses if you are diagnosed by the optician as requiring either glasses for sole use with DSE or those for general use incorporating a special prescription specifically for use with DSE.
Our Ethos and Values
At the Holy Cross School we aim to provide a rounded education for girls of all abilities. The Holy Cross has very strong Catholic values. They are clear and explicit and inform all that we do. We are a thriving school with a strong community spirit. Our Catholic ethos is reflected in our Mission Statement below.
Mission Statement
We are the children of God
and in the spirit of St.Francis and Mother Bernarda,
we aim to create a happy family environment
in which all may grow:
in faith, hope and love for God,
in love and respect for one another and the world around us,
in learning and wisdom,
so that we may live life to the full and joyfully share this life with others,
especially those who are in any way disadvantaged.
Diversity in our school community
We pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive school, committed to reflecting the community we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and particularly welcome those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.
Location
Situated in the leafy green Greater London suburb of New Malden with excellent train links into central London (only 25 minutes by train into London Waterloo), the school’s location is idyllic. The deer in Richmond Park and the buzzing riverside market town of Kingston upon Thames (with shopping, bars and restaurants well-catered for) are a short car, train or bus ride away. Close to the A3, the beautiful Surrey countryside is easily accessible by car and the coast is only one hour’s drive away.
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