Learning Support Assistant

Acorn Care and Education is the single largest private sector provider of specialist education and care services to local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales. The group has grown quickly since its creation in 2005 by both organic growth and through a series of acquisitions.

Acorn consists of 3 main divisions:

• The education division is the second largest private sector provider of SEN schools in the country operating 15 special needs schools for children with behavioural and social difficulties or with autism and learning difficulties.
• The fostering division – Fostering Solutions, is the third largest provider of foster care services in the UK and operates under the brands of Fostering Solutions and Pathway Care.
• The residential care division operates registered care homes for looked after children with a range of special education and behavioural needs.

We need really great, passionate people to be part of our team to carry out immeasurably worthwhile work that truly does change lives.

Line Manager:  Senior Learning Support Assistant

Job Purpose

To work as a Learning Support Assistant, providing support to the teacher and the pupils within an assigned group. In addition to agreed responsibilities of Learning Support Assistants and any reasonable direction from the Headteacher or member of the Senior Leadership Team the Learning Support Worker will:

Main Tasks

1. To work with individual and small groups of children on educational activities.
2. To assist teachers in developing and implementing individual educational programmes.
3. To support individual and small groups of children across a broad and balanced curriculum.
4. To prepare materials and equipment.
5. To occasionally transport children home and on educational visits etc.

Job Activities

1. To work with individual and small groups of children in conjunction with the subject teacher.
2. To record relevant educational, social and behavioural information within an agreed framework.
3. To implement agreed individual educational/behavioural programmes.
4. To promote the social and emotional development of children through positive approaches that will encourage appropriate relationships and the development of self-esteem.
5. To accompany class groups on external educational visits.
6. To assist subject teacher in group and individual behavioural management, within the agreed school framework.
7. To assist in classroom organisation and display work.
8. To contribute to pupils’ annual review reports and progress files.
9. To attend staff meetings and contribute constructively on specific issues to encourage the development of agreed whole school policies and procedures.
10. To attend morning and afternoon briefings.
11. To participate in In-Service Training including Team Teach and Staff Development Programmes.
12. To eat with the children at lunch time, encouraging appropriate behaviour, social skills and positive interactions.
13. To supervise pupils at all times.

Accountability

The learning support assistant will be immediately responsible to the Senior Learning Support Assistant.

As a member of staff at Crookhey Hall School you will:

1. fulfil all aspects of the main tasks identified on your job description
2. fulfil all aspects of the job activities identified on your job description
3. fulfil the following generic aspects:
4. conduct themselves in a professional manner
5. adhere to the school dress code

to complete paperwork as and when required

Working Time

1. The LSA will be required to work 195 days in any one academic year, of which 190 days shall be with pupils.

Working hours are 8.30am – 4.00pm.

Salary & Conditions

In accordance with Crookhey Hall School Pay Scales and Conditions of Service.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up.  The post holder may be required from time to time to undertake other duties within the school as may be reasonably expected, without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed.  This is a common occurrence and would not justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Crookhey Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.