Learning Support Assistant

Job Title              Learning Support Assistant

Reporting to      SENDCo / Assistant SENDCo

Contract Type    Permanent - 185 days of term time (37 weeks) not including staff training days

Hours                   30 hours per week, 37 weeks (term time only)

Salary                   BR4 (full time range £25,522 - £25,703) Actual salary £17,375

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking to recruit an organised and confident person with good interpersonal and communication skills, to work with and support members of the teaching staff in ensuring that named students with Special Educational Needs and groups of students who require additional support receive the highest possible standards of care and education, ensuring that they are safe, secure and successful.

The successful candidate will have:

• Good academic qualifications

• Strong organisation, administrative and communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly with young people

• A flexible approach and willingness to go the extra mile

• Commitment and reliability

• Patience

Key Responsibilities

Student Support

• Support the teacher in ensuring specific students/groups of students are able to access the planned curriculum

• Support the students in accessing learning and participating fully in classroom activities.

• Promote the student's independence, confidence and self-esteem.

• Assist the students in understanding instructions and completing tasks.

• Support the students with organisation, focus and engagement in learning.

• Encourage positive social interaction and relationships with peers.

• Implement strategies identified within the student's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or support plan where applicable.

Teaching and Learning Support

• Work alongside teachers to adapt activities and resources where required.

• Reinforce learning objectives and provide clarification where appropriate.

• Support the development of literacy, numeracy and study skills.

• Monitor and record progress against agreed targets.

• Assist in preparing learning materials and resources.

Communication and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate records of support provided and student progress.

• Liaise regularly with teaching staff and the SEND team.

• Attend review meetings as required.

• Contribute to reports and documentation relating to the student's progress and wellbeing.

Behaviour and Wellbeing

• Support the implementation of behaviour support strategies.

• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation.

• Encourage resilience, independence and self-advocacy.

• Support the student's wellbeing throughout the school day.

General Responsibilities

• Uphold the school's policies and procedures.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.

• Undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification

• Good standard of education including GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Experience

• Experience of working with children or young people in an educational, childcare or support setting.

• Experience of providing individualised support to students with additional needs.

• Experience of working collaboratively as part of a team.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

• Ability to build positive and professional relationships with young people.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to adapt support strategies to meet individual needs.

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and monitor progress.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Personal Qualities

• Patient, caring and empathetic.

• Positive and resilient approach.

• Reliable and dependable.

• Flexible and adaptable.

• Commitment to inclusion and safeguarding.

• Ability to motivate and encourage students.

Desirable Criteria

Experience

• Experience of supporting students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

• Experience of supporting students with autism, social communication needs or other SEND.

• Experience of implementing behaviour support strategies and promoting emotional regulation.

• Experience of working with students who require support with organisation, attention and executive functioning skills.

Knowledge and Training

• Knowledge of ADHD and the impact it can have on learning, concentration, organisation and social interactions.

• Understanding of strategies that support students with ADHD to remain engaged, focused and successful in school.

• Training in SEND, behaviour support, emotional wellbeing or related areas.

• Knowledge of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

This job description may not necessarily be a comprehensive definition of the post.  It will be reviewed as appropriate and may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the holder of the post. 

In addition, the successful candidate must be willing to uphold the ethos and policies of the school, including the commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.