Learning Support Assistant (SEN), Shaftesbury

We would like to hear from you if you have a passion for supporting pupils with SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) difficulties and those with autism. Ideally you will have experience of working as a SEND Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or are an experienced Learning Support / Teaching Assistant looking to further your career within Special Education.

Our school

Coombe House School is an independent special school that provides education for pupils aged 5 to 19 with SEMH and ASD and associated difficulties. All pupils on roll have an EHCP. The school uses a therapeutic approach to support pupils with their individual difficulties. Everything the school does is based on positive relationships and viewing behaviour as communication.

We are seeking candidates who thrive on working in a challenging but immensely rewarding environment, who are passionate about supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and who truly want to make a difference in the lives of pupils.

Ideally, you will have a minimum of one year experience working with pupils with SEMH and ASD in a main school or specialist school setting.

More about the role:

·      Ability to assist teachers and other staff to create a positive learning environment.

·      Capacity to offer therapeutic support to pupils.

·      Engage pupils in activities and learning planned by the teacher.

·      Support pupils in managing their behaviour and learning.

·      Equip pupils with essential coping skills to manage their behaviour and learning.

·      Support pupils to improve their behaviour through a positive behaviour approach.

·      Teach pupils emotional self-regulation skills and social interaction and communication skills under the guidance of the class teacher.

Who we are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting pupils overcoming barriers to learning.

• Is a subject specialist with an interest in supporting learning for pupils with behaviour difficulties, social, emotional, and mental health challenges, or ASC.

• Is an experienced Learning Support/Teaching Assistant looking to further your career within Special Education.

Ideally, we are looking for Learning Support / Teaching Assistants who have Nurture Group experience and/or a therapeutic approach to SEND students with complex needs. Either way, we want our Learning Support Assistants to demonstrate the resilience, ability, and commitment of working with pupils with special educational needs. Learning Support Assistants at Coombe House school demonstrate compassion, understanding and flexibility in their approach ensuring progression is central to all lessons whilst giving our pupils the confidence to grow as they progress through our school.

Please review the job description and person specification for further information about the role. If you would like to work at a very special, caring, and nurturing school, please complete the application process.

Excellent salary range from £21,968 – 24,054 (Actual term time only is £19,703.53 to £21,574.73). Working hours are:

Full Time (35 hours)

08.30 – 16.00 Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

08.30 – 16.30 on a Wednesday

08.30 – 15.30 on a Friday

Part time, full days also available – must include a Wednesday due to staff training. 

The school is accessed via a private road and enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds. The accommodation extends to over 160,000 sq ft, set within in grounds of 55 acres. 

Coombe House School , located at the Dorset Centre of Excellence, is expected to meet the needs of children and young people with social communication, social emotional and learning needs, such as those associated with Autism Spectrum Condition, which represents the largest group of children and young people supported by an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in Dorset and nationally. 

What we can offer you:

·      A workplace set in beautiful surroundings

·      Competitive salary

·      Excellent learning and development opportunities

·      Free access to an employee assistance programme

·      Enhanced NEST Pension Scheme (10% employers' contribution)

·      On Site parking

·      Use of facilities (specified times) 

·      The opportunity to play an integral part at the infancy of this exciting and unique journey

·      Further benefits being introduced in the next few months

This post involves working with children or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them and will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Closing date for applications: Ongoing need to recruit, apply as soon as possible!

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.