Learning Support Assistant

Band C: £18,426 - £22,462; actual salary £9,350 - £11,398

39 weeks per year (Term time plus Inset days)

22 hours per week (over 4 days of the week)

We are looking for a Learning Support Assistant to join our friendly and talented team.  The Learning Support department is a strong team of 16 professional staff.  There are 14 Learning Support assistants who support pupils in lessons and deliver interventions to small groups across the year groups. They are led by a Director of Learning Support and assistant who manage the day-to-day running of the department and deployment support staff across the school.  The LSAs also support pupils in homework club before school, during lunchtime and after school. 

At Arden we promote an inclusive atmosphere, all students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum that is delivered through high-quality teaching and learning. In order to support our students with special educational needs we focus on quality first teaching with a particular emphasis on effective differentiation. This helps to ensure that students can access the curriculum whilst predominantly being taught in mainstream mixed ability classes. Teaching staff are supported by a highly skilled Learning Support team who work across the key stages providing in-class support for students who require it the most. At Arden we work with students who have specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, as well as students with sensory difficulties, physical conditions, ASD, ADHD, visual and hearing impairments. 

The key responsibilities for this post are as follows (a comprehensive job description is available):

• Deliver learning activities to pupils within an agreed system of supervision, adjusting activities according to pupil responses/needs.
• Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies against pre-determined learning objectives.
• Take an appropriate role in the development and implementation of appropriate behaviour management strategies.
• Provide objective, accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence.
• Work with the school’s agreed behaviour policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self-control and independence.
• Challenge and motivate pupils, promote and reinforce self-esteem.
• Participate in the marking of pupils’ work and accurately record achievement/progress.
• Encourage children to value their experiences and knowledge.
• Make effective and efficient use of ICT for classroom and management support.
• Be familiar and keep up-to-date with the school’s systems and structures as outlined in policy documents including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Child Protection policies.
• Be familiar and up-to-date with SEN Code of Practice.
• Supporting students in Homework, Reading, Maths and Spelling Clubs and Peer Mentoring.
• Establish constructive relationships with parents/carers, exchange information, facilitate their support for their child’s attendance, access and learning and support home to school and community links.
• Establish constructive relationships with external specialists to ensure effective strategies are employed in classroom practices.
• Provide advice and guidance as required and appropriate.
• Develop and use effective communication systems appropriate to audience.
• Provide support and encouragement to children and young people.

Qualities required:

• Knowledge or experience of working with children who have learning difficulties is desirable.
• Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant Qualifications or Supporting Teaching & Learning in School Certificate (Level 3) or Graduate qualification to enable support to be given to a subject within the school.
• Ability to orally communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• A caring and supportive disposition.

In return we can offer you:

• A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors. 
• Enthusiastic students who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life .
• As a Teaching School, access to high quality continuing professional development and the opportunity for personal growth and development.
• A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity.
• A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students.
• West Midlands Local Government Pension and Cycle to Work scheme.

Children of staff who are permanently employed at Arden Academy are eligible for a ‘staff’ priority for main school and Sixth Form admissions (please see Admissions on our school website for full details).

Closing date: Monday 22nd April  at 9.00am

Interviews: w/c 29th April 2019

Arden Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.