Specialist Learning Support Assistant (LSA)

Specialist LSA

‘Pace’, an innovative and ground breaking children’s charity and independent school, are seeking to appoint a Specialist Learning Support Assisant (LSA). The role presents the opportunity to work in a highly supportive specialist and child centred environment.  Full and part time positions available.

This position would suit someone who is passionate about meeting the needs for children with SEND who would like to develop their specialist skills whilst working as part of an incredibly skilled and supportive team.

Experience working with children with a physical disability such as cerebral palsy is preferable but not essential, due to the high quality induction training offered to all new Pace staff.   Transferable skills such as experience working with children who have complex needs or PMLD would be an advantage.

The ideal candidate will be someone who prides themselves on their communication skills and their ability to work as part of a team.

What is Pace?

Pace is an independent organisation that provides first class education, therapy and support for children aged 0-18 with cerebral palsy, related sensory motor disorders and development delay, and support and guidance for their families. Our aim is to lead the way in the delivery of innovative and effective educational and developmental provision that focuses on the development of independence skills in all areas, while recognising that every child is different and has unique potential.

Our highly specialised child centred approach makes sure that each child, and each family, gets the support they need. We are also leading the way with our early intervention services for babies and infants.

Our work does not stop with the children and families. We aim to continue developing our collective expertise with colleagues and professionals in the field of disability, by participating in research, and by sharing our best practice through our first class training and outreach activities.

Pace School Services

At Pace we provide a nurturing, positive and dedicated environment that encourages our children to develop, progress and be the best that they can be. We also welcome Parents, children and staff into a supportive community that celebrates the child’s achievements and successes.

Our highly skilled transdisciplinary teams of therapists work in close collaboration with teachers to provide a fully integrated curriculum and a rich, individually tailored learning environment for every Pace child.

The Pace environment is one of ‘total communication’, whereby no child should ever be denied the opportunity to communicate or initiate communication whether verbally or via other means for non verbal children such as AAC (augmentative and alternative communication.) 

To read more about the Pace approach, please visit www.thepacecentre.org 

About the role

A Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at Pace acts as an integral member of the transdisciplinary team, supporting the delivery of high quality integrated programmes throughout the day which meet the needs of the whole child within a Conductive framework and which reflects the ethos of Pace practice.

A Pace LSA will be expected to develop their skills in relation to facilitation, both physical and verbal, in order to enhance the learning and attainment of the children in relation to their goals. 

The role involves the development of good observational skills which will contribute to assessments and transdisciplinary discussion such as IEP review meetings.

Dependent on the individual staff member, there may be an opportunity to develop skills in relation to programme planning and delivery. 

An LSA at Pace requires a highly patient, conscientious and open minded nature with a positive outlook and a genuine love of the job, which can be physically and emotionally challenging at times.

The role requires a good level of communication and teamwork skills in order to work effectively within the transdisciplinary team.

Key responsibilities and duties

To participate actively in creating an appropriately stimulating learning environment in accordance with the curriculum policy of the group and communication strategies for the children in the group.

To provide verbal and physical support for the children as part of their daily motor and self-care programmes, in line with Pace policies and procedures.

To implement the group and Individual Educational Plans as determined by the Team Leader and the transdisciplinary team.

To seek advice and take guidance from senior team members regarding all aspects of children’s programme and development.

To contribute to the observation and evaluation of the children’s progress in line with the Pace ‘Planning and assessment’ policy and participate in planning termly objectives.

To ensure that the children’s objectives are being met throughout the day within each activity so that there is continuity of learning.  

To discuss any concerns or observations regarding this with the Team Leader and thus contribute to the overall group planning.

To work within the framework of the team at all times in order to ensure that advice or comments to parents and carers has been jointly discussed and agreed.

To contribute to all team discussions relating to the well-being and progress of the children within the group.

To be involved in writing up progress notes as directed by the Team Leader.

To participate in staff training and development programmes.

To take responsibility for preparing and tidying up equipment and teaching materials at the beginning and end of the day and in between the teaching sessions.

To comply with all Centre Policies and Procedures.

To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be expected by the Team Leader and the Heads of School

Training and CPD

All Pace staff benefit from intensive high quality specialist induction training throughout their first year, accompanied by supporting mentoring and supervision.

Specialist induction training modules include:

- Integrated Curriculum training

- Manual handling / Posture and movement

- Sensory integration

- Cerebral palsy

- Conductive education 

- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) 

- Safe eating and drinking 

Pace offer a supportive mentoring and supervision system which invests in the individual and their continued professional learning journey. 

Visits are welcomed and encouraged. Further information is available via our website www.thepacecentre.org

Tel:  01296 392739 / 01296 614287