Learning Support Assistant

About the role:  Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy are keen to grow their existing support team and have a number of opportunities available for Learning Support Assistants.  The overarching purpose of the role is to work with pupils who have learning difficulties usually with a statement of Special Educational Needs.  This role will suit both experienced LSAs who are looking to join our Academy, and also be suitable for Graduates looking to gain first-hand experience with a view to commencing Teacher Training with us.

Successful candidates will work with pupils both in main stream classes and in the Learning Support & Inclusions Centre and will help to prepare specialist material for them.  You will have to opportunity to be part of a team that is truly changing lives and positively transforming the local community.  This is an exciting time to consider joining us so please take a close look at the role details and if you feel you have the necessary attitude and experience then we would love to hear from you. Previous experience isn’t essential but the successful candidate will offer enthusiasm, flexibility, a sense of humour and a willingness to learn. 

GRADUATES!  If you are a graduate and considering a career in teaching, a Learning Support Assistant position could be the ideal way to gain classroom experience and decide if education is right for you. We can then support you in applying for and securing a training position within our Trust. 

What we expect of you:  Main duties in this role include the following;

• To support pupil(s) learning needs. This may involve using a wide range of strategies and methods, according to difficulty, including personal care.
• To encourage positive friendship patterns for all pupils in class and particularly the supported pupil.
• To motivate and support pupil(s) to remain on task and complete work in a focused way.
• To take part in school activities and events as required, accompanying and supporting children on outings from school as necessary.
• To attend training days/meetings that support the pupil(s) or address the needs of the school, in accordance with contractual arrangements as appropriate.
• To liaise with external agencies and follow their advice for safety, learning and therapy programmes, as appropriate.
• To have regular, positive contact with the parents/carers of the supported child and feedback orally to the appropriate staff.
• To contribute orally and in writing to the Individual Education Programme (IEP) and Annual Review of the supported pupil(s) as appropriate.
• To have due regard to the Health & Safety at Work legislation in carrying out all aspects of the post.
• To work with individual pupils, and groups of pupils, with learning difficulties, both in class and in the Learning Support and Inclusion base, to enable them to access the curriculum.
• To liaise with Individual Support Teachers and other school staff in the preparation of plans and materials.

Please consult the Job Description and Person Specification for further information by clicking here. 

SEN and Inclusion Service at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy:  The Faculty of Learning Support and Inclusions aim to support pupils within mainstream education by developing necessary skills to access the curriculum. It comprises the following seven teams;

• Learning Support Department - Students with learning difficulties work here.
• Learning Mentors - Students who have issues with behaviour, disaffection, or aspiration work with this service.
• Pupil Referral Unit - Students with behaviour issues, exclusion or social difficulties can be referred to this unit.
• Visual Impairment Specialist Resource - This caters for pupils with vision difficulties.
• Designated Special Provision (for pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties) - This caters for pupils with a range and depth of need who might previously have been educated outside the mainstream.
• EAL (English as an Additional Language) - This team works on raising attainment of minority ethnic groups and supporting EAL pupils.
• BEST (Behaviour and Education Support Team) - This government initiative is being piloted at Stationers’Crown Woods Academy and provides a range of support strategies for disaffected pupils, those at risk of exclusion and those with serious attendance concerns. Access is through the Head of Faculty and the BEST Coordinator, based on-site.

What are we looking for in you?  It is preferable for applicants will have previous experience of working with young people but not essential. You will be educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy. You will be committed to personal learning and development, and have a sincere commitment to sharing our long-term aims and drive for continuous improvement. In return, we will offer you a professional and supportive team, a state of the art working environment and a genuine opportunity to develop.