Learning Support Assistant – Nurture Provision (Apollo)
Term Time Only inclusive of Inset Days
32 paid hour per week
8.15am – 3.25 pm Monday – Thursday
8.15am – 2.30pm Friday
Salary: Grade 3 £25,186 – £26,246 per annum fte; actual salary £18,934 - £19,730
Start Date: September 2026
Costello School is meeting the Expected Standard (green) in Every Area – Ofsted, 2026
The Costello School, situated in Basingstoke, North Hampshire, is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated team. The successful candidate will primarily support students within our Nurture Provision (Apollo), with a minimum of 16 hours within the provision as part of the standard LSA timetable.
Apollo is a specialist nurture provision designed to support students who require additional help with their social, emotional and mental health needs. The provision follows Nurture UK principles, supporting a small group of students through a primary–secondary hybrid approach that focuses on relationships, emotional development and successful transition to secondary school.
The nurture group typically supports 12–15 students, enabling staff to build strong relationships and provide personalised support. The provision is staffed by a dedicated Nurture teacher and Learning Support Assistant, working closely together to support the group both pastorally and academically.
The Costello School is part of Bohunt Education Trust, a high-performing multi-academy trust committed to excellence in education and strong pastoral support for students. Several schools across the Trust operate nurture provisions aligned with Nurture UK principles, supported by a Trust Director for Nurture, enabling collaboration, shared expertise and professional development for staff working in this area.
This role would particularly suit someone with experience or a strong interest in supporting students with SEMH needs. Experience in a primary setting, nurture provision or pastoral support role would be advantageous.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting students within the Apollo Y7 nurture provision, as well Apollo students in years 8-11, to develop confidence, emotional regulation and positive learning behaviours
- Working with individuals and small groups to develop confidence and support engagement with learning
- Supporting students in Apollo lessons to enable access to the Nurture curriculum
- Contributing to personalised targets and intervention plans for students
- Supporting assessment and monitoring using tools such as the Boxall Profile, SDQ and other relevant assessments
- Maintaining records and provision maps to monitor student progress and attendance
- Contributing to the effective management of the classroom environment and resources
- Food preparation, including taking part in food-related activities, ordering, preparing and clearing away snack foods
- Working closely with teachers, the SEND team and pastoral staff to ensure consistent support for students
- Undertaking relevant training and maintaining qualifications such as First Aid or Food Hygiene where required
We are looking for someone who:
- Is patient, caring and committed to supporting young people
- Has strong communication and teamwork skills
- Can build positive relationships with students and staff
- Is organised and able to support a range of student needs
- Is flexible, proactive and able to respond to individual circumstances
- Has GCSE Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) in English; and in Mathematics (preferred but not essential)
- Has good ICT skills
In return we offer:
- A supportive and collaborative staff team
- A strong commitment to professional development and CPD
- Opportunities to develop expertise within SEND and nurture provision
- Access to professional development opportunities through Bohunt Education Trust, including collaboration with nurture teams across the Trust
- Access to the Bohunt Education Trust staff benefits programme
Please note the daily hours outlined include a 35 minute unpaid daily lunch break.
If you are passionate about supporting young people and would like to be part of a caring and dedicated team, we would welcome your application.Please visit our website (https://www.costelloschool.co.uk/about/vacancies/) for an application form. Please submit your application to Jana Niebauerova, HR Assistant, The Costello School, Crossborough Hill, Basingstoke, RG21 4AL, Tel: 01256 321263, ([email protected]). For your information please note CVs will not be accepted.
Closing date for applications: Monday 10th August 2026 9.00 am
Applicants are welcome to come and have a tour of the school and meet the team at any point. We reserve the right to interview early for suitable candidates.
Bohunt Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships . The successful candidate will be subject to pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS checks (including a self-disclosure form), online/social media checks and satisfactory references.
Pay: £13.05-£13.60 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
