Learning Support Assistant

About the School - Little Downsend, Epsom

Little Downsend Epsom is nestled in a quiet and secluded spot at the end of a leafy residential road just 5 minutes from Epsom town centre. The school itself occupies a large plot, offering children playgrounds, fields and garden spaces for endless fun. Classrooms are large, bright, airy and filled with opportunity for playful learning.

At each of our Little Downsend schools, we instil the same nurture, innovation, love of life, dynamic energy and high standards, supported by experienced and passionate teachers. Rated 'Excellent' by the ISI in 2022, Little Downsend Epsom is a school with outstanding academic achievements and a zest for life.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join our fantastic team. 

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About the role

As a Learning Support Assistant/Teaching Assistant, you will assist in promoting the education and welfare of pupils, having regard to the aims and objectives of Little Downsend School and its policies. This will involve supervising and supporting pupils, ensuring their safety and access to learning, including their Special Educational Needs and English with an additional language and maintaining good order and discipline and pastoral care of pupils, and safeguarding their health and safety both on and off the School premise. You will work under the direct instruction of the SENCO, to support individuals and small groups within and outside the classroom.

This is a part-time role, 17 hours a week, for a fixed term immediately available until the academic year, July 2025.

To view a full job description, click here.

Who we are looking for: 

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English
• Confident in the supervision of children, and adhere to defined behaviour management policies
• To have practical knowledge or experience relevant to the role.
• Knowledge and understanding of child development and the ways in which children learn and develop
• A commitment to the provision of high-quality learning in the Early Years and KS1
• Level 3 Diploma in supporting teaching and learning for children with special needs is desirable but not essential
• It is desirable to hold a certificate of competency or be willing to undertake training relevant to the role e.g., ADHD, Autism, behaviour management or other relevant qualifications.

Benefits at Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience 
• Free lunch provided during Term Time 
• School holidays and public holidays
• Free parking on site (subject to availability) 
• School fee discount 
• Exclusive third-party discounts 
• Professional Development 

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is Sunday 2nd March 2025.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. 

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.