ST. THOMAS MORE HIGH SCHOOL
Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0BW
www.st-thomasmore.southend.sch.uk, Tel: 01702 344933
LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Salary Grade Range: NJC Points Range 4 – 5
Hours of Work: 31.67 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.45pm
(including a 55-minute unpaid lunch break every day)
Weeks Worked: Term Time only – 45 weeks (including INSET days)
At St Thomas More High School, we are looking to recruit to our team of Learning Support Assistants to work alongside Teachers and specific students with needs. While experience of working in schools and TA/LSA qualifications are an advantage, they are not essential. Training will be provided. Candidates must be passionate and enthusiastic about working with children and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
You will be joining a friendly and supportive team that has cultivated a genuinely cohesive working environment – sharing ideas, best practice and resources.
Please visit the school website or email [email protected] for the details and application to be sent to you. We are a Catholic School, but applications are equally welcome from non-Catholics who support our Catholic ethos.
The school’s application form must be completed. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre-employment checks and Enhanced DBS clearance. References will be sought and an online search carried out on applicants as part of our due diligence.
Closing date: 14th June 2026
Interviews: To be confirmed
Start date: ASAP
We reserve the right to call for interview and appoint prior to the closing date
Function
To assist in the support and inclusion of SEN pupils with learning and behavioural issues within St Thomas More High School by supporting the work of the SEN team, subject and form teachers and support staff.
Job Description
Duties/Responsibilities
To develop knowledge of a range of learning support needs and the specific needs of the children to be supported
To aid the children in learning as effectively as possible both in class and independently via the use of evidence-based practices, which may include:
Clarifying and explaining instructions
Providing sufficient structure to individuals to enhance classroom participation and foster independence
Ensuring the child is able to use equipment and materials provided
Motivating and encouraging the student as needed
Assisting in areas of weakness e.g. language, behaviour, reading, spelling, handwriting.
Assisting students with task completion
Meeting any physical needs whilst encouraging independence
Liaising with class teachers and pastoral support mentors in the development of Individual Education Plans/provision maps
Developing appropriate resources to support individual children, as needed
Following through in the implementation of strategies recommended by therapists or other support staff
Providing direct instruction for specific, discrete skills as needed
To establish a warm and supportive relationship with the children
To encourage and facilitate acceptance and inclusion of children with special needs
To contribute to the development, monitoring, documentation and review of IEP & provision maps.
To consistently monitor and review student progress in conjunction with the class teachers and support staff
To assist form tutors in form time.
To attend regular meetings with pupil progress managers, pastoral support mentors and form tutor briefings to discuss student progress.
To provide regular documentation of student activities and progress, via provision records
To participate in the evaluation of individual support programmes
To provide regular feedback about student progress to parents, teachers and professionals, as needed
To develop knowledge of the curriculum and an understanding of its implications for the students who will require additional support to be successful
To develop skills in the adaptation and modification of classroom activities to meet the needs of all children
To develop relationships with families, as appropriate, which allows for a mutually supportive link between home and school
To be aware of school policies and procedures
To be aware of the need for sensitivity and the maintenance of confidentiality when discussing the needs of children with special needs
To be aware of one’s personal timetable at all times and inform SENCO if any changes are needed
To attend meetings with staff and parents, e.g. weekly / daily SEN dept. meetings, parent evenings, curriculum nights, in-service training days and school-related trips
To complete regular school duties and other assigned tasks as necessary for ensuring the efficient and effective day to day operation of the school routine (i.e. Lunch homework club invigilation, bus)
To assist in exam invigilation
To attend all CPD provided by the school.
To maintain an accurate record of professional development trainings received
To contribute to the professional development of others by offering trainings and in-services in particular areas of interest and expertise to school staff
In addition, there may be other tasks assigned as directed by the SENCO that fall within the purview of the post.
To assist on school outings and activities and attend staff meetings as To work within the performance management process of the School, to evaluate performance and take full advantage of the training and required.
Any other duties as required
Person Specification
· GCSE A-C (or equivalent) Maths and English or equivalent relevant qualification or would be willing to complete these alongside LSA qualification
Skills and Knowledge
· Good knowledge of SEND needs
· Good knowledge of SEND COP
· Understanding of child protection procedures
· Working knowledge of the education system
· Understand procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality
· Understand the importance of physical and emotional wellbeing
· Ability to write reports
· Demonstrates an understanding and can support children with developmental difficulty or disability
· Ability to support the work of support assistants within the classroom
· Ability to use clear language to communicate information unambiguously and listen effectively
· Demonstrates they can communicate effectively with children and their families and carers and other adults and overcome communication barriers with children and adults
· Good understanding of the school curriculum including knowledge of literacy/numeracy strategies
· Ability to know when, how and with whom to share information
· Good ICT skills to support learning
· Ability to establish rapport and respectful and trusting relationships with students, their families and carers and other adults
· Experience of using SIMs
Personal
· Ability to resolve routine problems independently
· Flexible and adaptable
· Remain calm under pressure
· Good organisational skills
· Ability to use own initiative
· Ability to work within a team
· Reliable and trustworthy
Pay: £19,218.97-£19,522.92 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
