Learning Support Assistant

Location: Christchurch

Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-16:00

Job Purpose:

We are seeking a dedicated Learning Support Assistant to work within the classroom and outside the main teaching area, providing one-to-one and group support to students. The aim is to help students gain confidence and reach their full potential.

School Overview:

This role is based in a Special Educational Needs Primary and Secondary School in Christchurch, providing educational support for children aged 6-16 years. The school specialises in working with children who face social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) barriers.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Support:

• Encourage and support students to engage, learn, and make progress.
• Assist students in communicating within the class.
• Develop nurturing relationships with students, gaining their trust.
• Create and/or print out instructional material for classroom use as planned with the teacher.
• Deliver pastoral support in line with school and safeguarding procedures.
• Set classroom expectations and model behaviour in line with school values.
• Discipline students (according to school policy) when necessary.

Support for the Curriculum:

• Undertake structured and agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to pupil response and learning needs.
• Implement programmes linked to local and national learning strategies (e.g., literacy, numeracy, KS 2/3/4).
• Record achievement and progress and provide feedback to the teacher.
• Support the use of ICT in learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use.
• Prepare, maintain, and use equipment/resources as required to meet lesson plans and assist pupils in their use.

Support for the School:

• Comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety, security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Support differences and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
• Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.
• Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required.
• Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
• Supervise pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school and at lunchtime.
• Accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips, and out-of-school activities, taking responsibility for a group under the supervision of the teacher.
• Assist in the general care of the school environment by undertaking tidying of general areas.
• Promote equal opportunities at all times.
• Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support pupil achievement and progress.
• Recognise own strengths and areas of specialist expertise and use these to lead, advise, and support others.

General Requirements:

• Participate in the school’s performance management system.
• Enhanced DBS Check required.
• Strong commitment to furthering equalities in both service delivery and employment practice.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young and vulnerable people you are responsible for or come into contact with.
• Recognise own strengths and areas of specialist expertise and use these to lead, advise, and support others.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Good English and Maths qualifications
• Experience of working with young students (KS2/3) with SEMH
• Understanding of relevant policies/code of practice and awareness of relevant legislation
• General understanding of national curriculum and other basic learning programmes/strategies
• Good numeracy/literacy skills
• Effective use of ICT to support learning
• Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities
• Ability to relate well to children and adults
• Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and own position within these

Desirable:

• Additional relevant qualifications or training in education or child support

Hiring Hive is proud to be recruiting on behalf of our esteemed client. We are committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £12.82 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

• Special education: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: THH