Job Title: Learning Support Assistant
JOB PURPOSE
To support the learning, development and well-being of students, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), in line with the values and philosophy of Bosco. The post-holder will work under the guidance of teaching staff to support access to learning, promote inclusion and raise student achievement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Supporting Students’ Learning and Development
- Support students individually or in small groups as directed by the teacher or Coordinator.
- Adapt support strategies to meet the individual needs of students, ensuring accessibility and promoting independence.
- Establish supportive and respectful relationships with students, maintaining appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
- Promote the inclusion of all learners, encouraging participation in school life.
- Support pupils with emotional regulation and offer calm space or “time out” where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate records on student progress and share relevant information with teaching staff or the SENCO.
- Reinforce learning objectives and help deliver tailored support plans or EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans).
- Encourage students' self-esteem, confidence and independence through consistent support.
2. Behaviour and Pastoral Support
- Work in line with the Salesian ethos and our Code of Conduct to promote a respectful and safe learning environment.
- Apply consistent and fair behavioural support strategies, including the use of rewards and appropriate sanctions, as directed by staff.
- Supervise students during transitions, at break/lunch times or during off-site activities as required.
- Support safeguarding procedures by remaining vigilant to signs of abuse or harm and reporting concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
3. Classroom and Administrative Support
- Assist teaching staff with lesson preparation and organisation of classroom materials.
- Support the use of ICT and assist in adapting learning materials for diverse needs.
- Help with the display of students' work and contribute to creating a stimulating classroom environment.
- Provide cover for classes or interventions within the scope of the role, under supervision.
4. General School Duties
- Contribute to the smooth running of the school by assisting with duties such as attendance tracking, student appointments and end-of-day premises checks.
- Participate in staff meetings, INSET training, review meetings and briefings as required.
- Attend meetings, including multi-agency meetings, when relevant to the role.
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and adhere to the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times.
- Actively contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
- GCSE English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above) (ESSENTIAL)
- Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning / NVQ equivalent (DESIRABLE)
EXPERIENCE
- Experience working with children or young people; passion for supporting learning (ESSENTIAL)
- Experience of working on 1:1 with students with SEND or SEMH needs; Experience in a secondary school setting (DESIRABLE)
KNOWLEDGE
- Understanding of safeguarding, inclusion and equality policies; Familiarity with SEN strategies (ESSENTIAL)
- Knowledge of relevant school systems and protocols (e.g. CPOMS); Understanding of literacy interventions (DESIRABLE)
SKILLS & ABILITY
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; calm, flexible and resilient; able to work independently and collaboratively (ESSENTIAL)
- Ability to support off-site educational activities and visits; experience using assistive technologies (DESIRABLE)
VALUES & ATTITUDES
- Committed to inclusion and the school's ethos; maintains high expectations for all learners (ESSENTIAL)
- Open to reflective practice and feedback; commitment to personal development (DESIRABLE)
Other Requirements
This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Postholders must comply with the school’s Health and Safety Policy and demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The post-holder must understand and comply with duties under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Regular review and adaptation of the job description will occur in consultation with the post-holder, in line with evolving school needs and legal responsibilities.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £13.58 per hour
Experience:
Work Location: In person
