Job Purpose
The main purpose of the role is to:
- Provide support for students with special educational needs. This may be students with autism, learning difficulties, speech, language and communication needs, physical impairments or students with social, emotional and mental health needs. The role may involve working 1:1 with one specific student, supporting a range of students within one particular class or supporting different students in different lessons across the day.
- Work within a team of Learning Support Assistants and the Deputy SENDCo to share best practice.
- Provide support and guidance to young people and those engaged with them, by removing barriers to learning in order to promote effective participation, enhance individual learning, raise aspirations and achieve full potential.
- Support students with difficulties accessing learning due to learning or behaviour difficulties.
Key Responsibilities
The Learning Support Assistant will:
- Develop an understanding of the special educational needs of the student/s he or she is working with.
- Ensure students gain tailored support within lessons through appropriate clarification, explanations, equipment and materials.
- Build and maintain successful relationships with students, treating them with respect and consideration.
- Promote independent learning and reinforce learning.
- Keep students on task and build motivation.
- Support students in building their confidence and enhancing self-esteem.
- Participate in formal and informal meetings with teachers to contribute to planning lessons and activities.
- Develop and use strategies to support students to manage their behaviour.
- Plan and prepare materials and resources for lessons and/or interventions.
- Operate within agreed legal, ethical and professional boundaries when working with children and young people and those involved with them.
- Deliver small group interventions.
- Meet regularly with the designated line manager to report on progress of identified students.
- Support in implementing specific strategies for certain students.
- Work as part of the team in relation to individual students, liaising, advising and consulting where appropriate.
- Support the implementation of school policies and procedures, including those relating to confidentiality and behaviour.
- Identify personal training needs and attend appropriate internal and external in-service training.
- Work within and encourage the Academy’s Equality Policy and contribute to similar programmes.
- Undertake other duties, appropriate to the post, as may be required from time to time.
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualifications to degree, A level, or GCSE/ equivalent standard including English and Mathematics at minimum Grade C.
- Experience of working with young people with a range of additional needs.
- Experience of working in an educational environment. (Desirable)
- Experience of working in a multi-ethnic community. (Desirable)
Skills, Abilities and Knowledge
- Excellent communication, organisational skills, attendance and punctuality.
- The ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with young people.
- The ability to work as an effective member of a team.
- The ability to communicate effectively with young people, families, and a range of other external parties.
- The ability to exercise initiative, work independently and take responsibility.
- Knowledge and awareness of issues and factors related to underachievement and barriers to learning and participation.
- Knowledge and understanding of child protection, safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children.
- Understanding and awareness of equal opportunities and a commitment to work within the Academy’s Equality Policy.
