SEND Learning Support Assistant

Introduction

Blackheath Prep is an independent prep school for just over 370 students aged 3 to 11. Founded in 1996, it occupies a beautiful five-acre site close to Blackheath village. Its original Georgian and Victorian buildings have been extended and adapted to include large playgrounds and extensive playing fields, tennis courts, cricket nets and a Forest School area. In April 2023 we were delighted to announce our merger with Eltham College to form a family of schools. 

It is a remarkable school with outstanding facilities, a formidable track record in academic success and impressive achievements in Music, Sport, Drama and Art. The school was inspected in June 2019 and both the quality of pupils achievements in all areas of our curriculum, from academics to Design Technology and PE, as well as the quality of pupils’ personal development were judged to be excellent. 

The Role

Blackheath Prep is seeking to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspirational SEND Learning Support Assistant.

The successful candidate will be required to provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEND in Key Stage 2. The successful candidate is likely to be based mostly in Year 6.  

At Blackheath Prep, the collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our community holds represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our achievements as well.  

We expect and enable:  

• Members of staff to act as role models for the children and their families through curriculum content and conduct which demonstrates our commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.  
• Commitment to ensuring that all members of our community can see themselves in the texts and topics through which we deliver our broad and balanced curriculum. 
• Teamwork and participation, permitting the representation of all groups and perspectives within our unique community. 
• Regular INSET and opportunities for development which keep practice current and research informed. 

Every member of staff at Blackheath Prep is committed to ensuring that all children are enabled to reach their full potential. We therefore welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate an ability and genuine desire to see children shine and exceed their own and our expectations of them. 

Person Specification

• Experience of supporting children with SEND within Key Stage 2  
• Experience of conducting small group or 1:1 interventions in maths, English and social emotional skills 
• Experience of working with children with ASD and ADHD 
• Able to develop positive relationships with children, especially those with neurodivergence and who may require extra motivation 
• The ability to implement provision listed within an EHCP, under the direction and guidance of the SENDCo and Class Teacher 
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to respond sensitively, patiently, calmly and empathetically 
• Flexibility and openness to change in order to best meet the needs of young people 
• A belief that all pupils can achieve highly with the right scaffolds and support 
• A willingness to support social interaction and play 
• The desire to promote inclusion, diversity and acceptance 

Other valuable qualities include enthusiasm, understanding, organisational ability, a capacity to work hard and the ability to stay calm and good humoured under pressure. 

A pleasure in the life of a thriving, busy school, and the ability to act as an approachable, sympathetic and principled role model will be likely to characterise the successful candidate. 

Most importantly, the successful candidate must have a genuine interest in the evolving needs of young people and a strong commitment to children’s academic and personal development. 

Aims of the post

To provide 1:1 support and small group interventions for pupils with SEND, including ASD and ADHD.  

A full job description and further information relating to the post can be found on the school website and in the applicant information pack.

Terms of Appointment

• The post is available from 30th October 2023 and is fixed term until July 2024 on a full time (term time) basis 
• A competitive salary reflecting the level of experience to date 
• Benefits include school fee remission, salary sacrifice pension scheme and life assurance 
• Wellbeing benefits include annual flu vaccination and access to our Employee Support helpline 
• Travel benefits include Season Ticket Loan and Bike2Work scheme 
• Free staff lunch is provided during term time 

How to Apply

Please send by email a completed application form and equal opportunities form, together with a covering letter to Emma Over, HR and Recruitment Assistant: recruitment@blackheathprep.co.uk

Closing date for applications is 9am, Monday 9 October 2023 

Interviews will be held on either 12th or 13th October 2023 

***Please note that the recruitment campaign might end earlier as the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so please do not delay in applying*** 

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.