Learning Support Assistant

Mayville High School is located in the heart of Southsea (Portsmouth) and is an all-through school devoted to fostering academic excellence and personal growth within a nurturing, family environment. We pride ourselves on small class sizes, enabling personalised attention that helps every pupil thrive and make outstanding progress. Our supportive community of passionate colleagues shares a strong commitment to academic achievement and pupil wellbeing, creating an inclusive atmosphere where every child feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential. 

The school is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, Learning Support Assistant who will support pupils from Reception to Year 6 in accessing the curriculum, developing confidence, making academic progress, and participating fully in school life. The role will involve working with individual pupils, small groups and whole classes, under the direction of the Form Teachers and SENCo.

The successful candidate will be caring, patient, flexible and able to build positive relationships with pupils of different ages, abilities and needs within a nurturing, aspirational independent school environment.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Pupils’ Learning

• Support pupils in Reception to Year 6 with their learning in class, in small groups or on a one-to-one basis.

• Help pupils understand tasks, instructions and expectations.

• Reinforce learning introduced by the teacher.

• Encourage pupils to develop independence, resilience and confidence.

• Support pupils in all areas of the curriculum.

• Help pupils remain focused, motivated and engaged in their learning.

• Adapt support according to the age, ability and needs of the pupil.

Supporting Pupils with Additional Needs

• Work with pupils who may have SEND, including needs linked to cognition and learning, communication and interaction, social, emotional and mental health, or physical and sensory needs.

• Support the implementation of individual support plans or targets set by the Form Teacher or SENCo.

• Use agreed strategies to support pupils with attention, emotional regulation, communication or confidence.

• Liaise with the Form teachers to ensure support is consistent and effective.

Classroom Support

• Support classroom routines and transitions between activities.

• Help create a calm, purposeful and inclusive learning environment.

• Encourage pupils to follow school expectations for behaviour and conduct.

• Support pupils during practical activities, group work, trips and school events.

• Provide feedback to teachers on pupil engagement, understanding and progress.

Pastoral and Wellbeing Support

• Promote pupils’ emotional well-being, self-esteem and sense of belonging.

• Build warm, professional and appropriate relationships with pupils.

• Encourage positive friendships, kindness and respectful behaviour.

• Support pupils during unstructured times, including break, lunch, clubs or transitions, as required.

• Recognise when a pupil may be upset, anxious or struggling and report concerns appropriately.

Safeguarding

• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection.

• Follow the school’s Safeguarding, Behaviour, Anti-bullying and Staff Code of Conduct policies.

• Report any safeguarding, welfare or pastoral concerns promptly using the school’s agreed procedures.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with pupils at all times.

• Attend safeguarding training as required.

Communication and Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCo and other members of staff.

• Attend relevant meetings or briefings when required.

• Communicate professionally and sensitively with colleagues.

• Support positive communication with parents, where directed by teachers or the SENCo.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

General Duties

• Support the wider life and ethos of the school.

• Attend training and professional development as required.

• Assist with supervision duties, school trips, assemblies and events where appropriate.

• Be flexible in supporting pupils across different year groups from Reception to Year 6.

• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Headteacher or Assistant Head, Junior School.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working with children of primary school age.

• Ability to support pupils from Reception to Year 6.

• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.

• A patient, calm, kind and encouraging approach.

• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils.

• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding.

• Reliability, organisation and flexibility.

• Ability to work well as part of a team.

• Ability to follow instructions from teachers and the SENCo.

• A genuine commitment to helping children thrive.

Desirable

• Experience of supporting pupils with SEND.

• Experience of working in an independent school or primary school setting.

• Relevant qualification, such as NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent.

• Knowledge of strategies to support pupils with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, speech and language needs or emotional regulation.

• Paediatric first aid qualification, or willingness to undertake training.

Safeguarding Statement

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. The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check, checks against the Children’s Barred List, identity checks, qualification checks, online checks and satisfactory references.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The school is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates who share our commitment to creating a supportive, respectful and inclusive school community.