Specialist Learning Support Assistant (1:1 Autism/PDA Support)Make a Real Difference Every Day
Loudwater Combined School is seeking an exceptional Learning Support Assistant to join our caring, inclusive and ambitious team. This is a unique opportunity to provide specialist 1:1 support for a pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who presents with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile of autism.
About the Role
· Work closely with the class teacher, SENDCo, family and external professionals.
· Build a trusting relationship with one child, recognising that relationships are at the heart of successful learning.
· Use flexible, low-arousal and neuro-affirming approaches to support engagement, emotional regulation and independence.
· Adapt learning to meet individual needs while maintaining high aspirations.
· Contribute to reviews, provision planning and the wider SEND team.
We are looking for someone who is:
· Calm, patient and emotionally intelligent.
· An excellent communicator who enjoys working collaboratively.
· Experienced in supporting children with SEND.
· Committed to inclusive education and safeguarding.
· Interested in developing specialist knowledge of autism and PDA.
Desirable Experience
Experience of supporting autistic children, implementing EHCP provision, working with external agencies or knowledge of PDA approaches would be advantageous, although training will be provided for the right candidate.
Why Join Loudwater?
· Friendly, welcoming and supportive staff team.
· Strong commitment to professional development.
· Opportunities for specialist SEND training.
· An inclusive school where every child is valued.
· Leadership that prioritises staff wellbeing and collaboration.
Safeguarding
Loudwater Combined School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
How to Apply
Please complete the school's application form and submit a supporting statement explaining how your experience, skills and personal qualities meet the requirements of the role. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.
Person Specification
Learning Support Assistant (Specialist 1:1 Autism/PDA Support)
This person specification outlines the qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills and personal qualities required to undertake the role of Specialist 1:1 Learning Support Assistant supporting a pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile of autism.
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed By
Qualifications
GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
Commitment to continuing professional development.
Training in Autism, PDA, Team Teach (or equivalent), Emotion Coaching, Sensory Processing or Trauma-Informed Practice.
Application, Certificates, Interview
Experience
Experience supporting children with SEND.
Experience working effectively within a primary classroom.
Experience building positive relationships with children who experience high levels of anxiety.
Experience supporting autistic pupils with a PDA profile.
Experience implementing EHCP provision.
Experience working with parents and external professionals.
Application, Interview, References
Knowledge
Understanding of child development.
Knowledge of safeguarding.
Understanding that behaviour communicates need.
Understanding of inclusive practice.
Knowledge of autism, PDA, sensory regulation, co-regulation and neuro-affirming practice.
Interview
Skills
Excellent communication and listening skills.
Ability to adapt learning.
Strong organisational skills.
Accurate record keeping.
Ability to remain calm under pressure.
Experience contributing to provision maps and EHCP reviews.
Confidence using ICT to support learning.
Application, Interview
Personal Qualities
Patient, calm, flexible and resilient.
Warm and approachable.
Professional and reflective.
Able to work collaboratively.
Committed to inclusion and safeguarding.
Creative thinker with a sense of humour and willingness to learn specialist approaches.
Interview, References
Special Requirements
Enhanced DBS clearance.
Good attendance record.
Willingness to undertake specialist training.
Ability to participate in educational visits and playground supervision where appropriate.
Application
Our Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will build trusting relationships, demonstrate empathy, understand that anxiety may underpin behaviour, and work flexibly and collaboratively to help every child feel safe, valued and successful. They will embrace specialist training and contribute positively to Loudwater Combined School's inclusive ethos.
Person Specification
Learning Support Assistant (Specialist 1:1 Autism/PDA Support)
This person specification outlines the qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills and personal qualities required to undertake the role of Specialist 1:1 Learning Support Assistant supporting a pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile of autism.
Qualifications
Essential
GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
Commitment to continuing professional development.
Desirable
Training in Autism, PDA, Team Teach (or equivalent), Emotion Coaching, Sensory Processing or Trauma-Informed Practice.
Experience
Essential
Experience supporting children with SEND.
Experience working effectively within a primary classroom.
Experience building positive relationships with children who experience high levels of anxiety.
Desirable
Experience supporting autistic pupils with a PDA profile.
Experience implementing EHCP provision.
Experience working with parents and external professionals.
Knowledge
Essential
Understanding of child development.
Knowledge of safeguarding.
Understanding that behaviour communicates need.
Understanding of inclusive practice.
Desirable
Knowledge of autism, PDA, sensory regulation, co-regulation and neuro-affirming practice.
Skills
Essential
Excellent communication and listening skills.
Ability to adapt learning.
Strong organisational skills.
Accurate record keeping.
Ability to remain calm under pressure.
Desirable
Experience contributing to provision maps and EHCP reviews.
Confidence using ICT to support learning.
Personal Qualities
Essential
Patient, calm, flexible and resilient.
Warm and approachable.
Professional and reflective.
Able to work collaboratively.
Committed to inclusion and safeguarding.
Desirable
Creative thinker with a sense of humour and willingness to learn specialist approaches.
Special Requirements
Essential
Enhanced DBS clearance.
Good attendance record.
Willingness to undertake specialist training.
Ability to participate in educational visits and playground supervision where appropriate.
Our Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will build trusting relationships, demonstrate empathy, understand that anxiety may underpin behaviour, and work flexibly and collaboratively to help every child feel safe, valued and successful. They will embrace specialist training and contribute positively to Loudwater Combined School's inclusive ethos.
Pay: From £24,836.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
