Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Worker

Location:          Waterloo Lodge School, Chorley, Lancashire

Salary:              Up to £16,630 dependent on experience

Hours:              8.30am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

Contract:          Permanent, Term Time only.

If you really want to make your mark in a rapidly growing business that is committed to improving the lives of children and young people, we have the role for you!

We now have a fantastic opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join our close-knit team at Waterloo Lodge School, Chorley in Lancashire. We are looking for someone who takes a more creative approach supporting our learners either in the classroom, on a 1:1 basis or sometimes off site in the community, would be perfect for this role.

About the School:

Waterloo Lodge is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 19, catering for children with a wide range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

We pride ourselves in steering children in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

About the Group:

We are part of Acorn Education and Care and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.

We provide Education and Care across a number of schools and residential homes nationally. Our specialist SEN provision, coupled with our expertise within residential care means we offer thousands of vulnerable children and young people across the UK a holistic, wraparound care, residential and education service, empowering them with everything they need to flourish. It is by no accident that 94% of our homes are rated as Outstanding or Good.

We welcome staff who share our commitment to help children experience better days and better lives. Through ongoing development and training, we ensure our staff are well prepared for their jobs and given every opportunity to extend their skills.

Acorn Education and Care is part of the Outcomes First Group.

About the Role:

The Learning Support Assistant will engage with a class of pupils or an individual pupil, teachers and other school staff.  A Learning Support Assistant is responsible for assisting with day to day learning and social skills. The successful candidates will be required to work Monday to Friday, school hours to be discussed.

Waterloo Lodge School caters for children aged 11-19 and has an occupancy of 55 pupils. Our aim is to change young people’s lives and through the use of accredited courses, we will always provide our pupils with the best possible opportunities to succeed, beyond Waterloo Lodge School.

Who we are looking for?

We are looking for a Learning Support Assistant who likes a challenge as we see pupils that for the most, are reluctant and troubled learners or have been out of education for a little while.

No two days are the same at Waterloo Lodge, so we want someone who can work at pace to turn ‘can’t do’ into ‘want to’ and is motivated by working with children with complex needs. You will be motivated by your belief that every child can achieve and reach their potential.  The ideal candidate will enjoy working with children in a calm and engaging demeanour.

Whilst previous experience of working in a SEN environment would be desirable, excellent communication, interpersonal skills, the right kind of motivation, personal qualities and levels of resilience are just as important.

Essential Criteria:

• GCSEs in Maths and English, grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2
• Basic computer literacy skills
• Able to work on a lone basis with an individual child on a 1:1 basis, to build a relationship and rapport with the child in a learning and educational environment
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Flexible approach to working
• Ability to build relationships with children & young people
• Clean Driving Licence
• Negotiation Skills
• High expectations of others
• Resilience
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Willing to undertake training
• Ability to prioritise tasks

Why work for us?

A few reasons we think it’s a great place to work:

• Continuous professional development & training for a clear career path
• Pension
• Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference
• Be part of a fantastic team who work hard together and support each other
• No two days are ever the same
• Free School Meals onsite
• “Your Wellbeing Matters”
• Employee Rewards Hub

This position is due to commence as soon as possible, subject to approved reference and DBS checks.  

Applications are invited online through the Outcomes First Group website www.outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk

If you have any further queries regarding how to apply, please call 01257 230894 or email: admin@waterloolodge.co.uk

Outcomes First Group are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBS. 

We expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment and strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for everyone in our care.  A full application form must be completed with all employment dates and, gaps in employment accounted for.