Learning Support Assistant

Overview

An enthusiastic and adaptable Learning Support Assistant is required as soon as possible to join a strong team to work with teachers to develop support strategies for a variety of students with special educational needs. Previous experience is desirable, but full training can be given to the right candidate.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointments will be subject to references and enhanced DBS checks.

This post is paid on Pay Scale 3 points 5-6. The actual salary for this part-time post will be £18,668-£18,964 per annum. These figures include the holiday pay entitlement for someone with less than 5 years’ service.

Additional information, including a job description, person specification and hours of work, is available in the Information Pack or from our website: www.sandon.essex.sch.uk or by contacting Recruitment by phone on 01245 241126 or email Recruitment@sandon.essex.sch.uk.

The closing date for applications is the 7th February 2025 at midday.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early and encourage candidates to complete and return applications as soon as possible

Duties

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Responsible to: SENCO, SEN Support Officer, Class Teacher

Responsible for: To enhance the learning of students who have a wide range of learning needs. To do this by supporting the teaching staff in enabling the students to gain independence and participate fully in the curriculum and general life of the school. To be adaptable and have empathy, but also follow the school’s positive discipline’ guidelines.

DUTIES:

The School

Supporting the Headteacher in promoting and maintaining the work and good order of the school.

Main Responsibilities

Provide particular and skilled support to students with severe learning, behavioural, communication, social, sensory or physical difficulties

Provide particular and skilled support to all students in a particular learning area (eg IT, National Curriculum subject)

Take an active role in the preparation, maintenance and control of stocks and materials and resources

Working with individuals or small groups of children under the direction of teaching staff

Understand specific learning needs and styles and provide differentiated support to students individually and within a group

Implement planned learning activities/teaching programmes as agreed with the teacher, adjusting activities according to students’ responses as appropriate

Establish positive relationships with students supported

Provide feedback to students in relation to attainment and progress under the guidance of the teacher

Support students with activities, which support literacy and numeracy skills

Support the use of IT in the classroom and develop students’ competence and independence in its use

Promote the inclusion and acceptance of children with special needs within the classroom ensuring access to lessons and their content through appropriate clarification, explanation and resources

Promote positive student behaviour in line with school policies and help keep students on task

Participate in planning and evaluation of learning activities with the teacher, writing reports and records as required

Monitor and record student responses and learning achievements, drawing any problems, which cannot be resolved easily to the attention of the teacher

To support learning by selecting appropriate resources/methods to facilitate agreed learning activities

To attend to students’ personal needs including help with social, welfare, physical and health matters, including minor first aid

Liaise with staff and other relevant professionals and provide information about students as appropriate

To supervise students for limited and specified periods including break-times when the postholder should facilitate games and activities

To assist with escorting students on educational visits

To understand and apply school policies in relation to health, safety and welfare

Attend relevant training and take responsibility for own development

Attend relevant school meetings as required

To respect confidentiality at all times

In all the above to have regard to whole school policies.

Personal attributes

Learning Support Assistant

Person Specification

It is likely that the successful candidate will satisfy the following specification:

Attributes	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications	Good general education GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in Maths and English.	Relevant Learning Support/ Teaching Assistant qualification
Previous experience	Not essential	Experience of working with children with learning and physical difficulties
Professional competence	Committed to inclusive education Enjoy working with children Ability to empathise with children experiencing a variety of difficulties High quality written and oral communication skills Take an active part and interest in the life of the school Observe confidentiality Ability to encourage independence when working with children Ability to contribute to regular recording of children’s difficulties and progress Ability to work in a variety of settings, eg classroom, withdrawal sessions, school trips Ability to work under supervision and guidance Ability to use own initiative Willing to undertake appropriate training including training to support students with physical and personal care needs	Take responsibility for own development
Personal qualities	Enthusiastic Approachable Adaptable Ability to remain calm under pressure Good sense of humour Positive attitude Good observational skills Good interpersonal skills Good health Ability to work well in a team Self-motivated and well organised Good timekeeping Reliable

Salary & Benefits

£18,668 - £18,964 per annum

Pay

This post is paid on Pay Scale 3 points 5-6. The full time pay range for this role is £24,790- £25,183 and the actual salary for this part-time post will be £18,668-£18,964 per annum per annum. These figures include the holiday pay entitlement for someone with less than 5 years’ service. Pay award pending.

Employees are paid monthly in twelve equal payments across the year.

Probation

All individuals new to employment with the school will be required to satisfactorily complete a six-month probationary period.

Key Information for candidates

Hours per week: 32.5 Hours

Initial working pattern:

8:15 to 15:05 Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
8.15 to 16.00 Wednesday
8:15 to 14:50 Friday
Unpaid breaks

Working weeks per year: 39 weeks (term time only plus 5 training days)

Holiday entitlement: Pro-rated holiday entitlement (including public holidays) for this post is 5.7 weeks pa

This is a part-time post and the successful candidate will work during each week of term time including 5 non-pupil days.

Holiday will be deemed to be taken during school closure periods. There is no entitlement to take holiday during term time.

Location

The Sandon School
Molrams Lane
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 7AQ

Supporting documents

Deadline and how to apply

The closing date for applications is the 7th February 2025 at midday.

Application process:

Applicants must complete the application form and submit it to the school by no later than the closing date advertised. All applicants are strongly advised to read the job description and person specification for the post prior to submitting their application.

Selection process:

Applications will be ranked against the person specification for the role.

All shortlisted applicants may be subject to:

A face-to-face interview with the selection panel
A practical task(s)

Details will be provided prior to interview.

Shortlisted candidates:

Applicants who have been shortlisted for the post will usually be notified by telephone.

Prior to the interview date referees will be contacted to request references on all shortlisted candidates.