Learning Support Assistant (SEN)

Full-Time | Term Time Only

We are seeking to appoint committed, professional and compassionate Teaching Assistants to join our dedicated team. This is an excellent opportunity to support children and young people with special educational needs in a specialist educational setting where every pupil is encouraged to achieve their full potential.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to provide high-quality support throughout the school day. The successful candidate will play an integral role in enabling pupils to access learning, develop independence and achieve positive educational and personal outcomes.

You will provide support to children and young people aged 10 to 17 years with a range of special educational needs, including:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Many of our pupils have experienced difficulties in previous educational settings and benefit from a structured, nurturing and relationship-centred approach that promotes emotional wellbeing, resilience and engagement in learning.

Our classes are purposefully small, typically accommodating 4 to 8 pupils, enabling highly personalised teaching and learning. Teaching Assistants work collaboratively with experienced teaching staff to provide a high level of individualised support, ensuring pupils are able to participate fully in all aspects of school life.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting pupils at the start of the school day and promoting a positive and settled learning environment.

• Assisting teachers in the delivery of differentiated lessons across a broad and balanced curriculum.

• Providing one-to-one and small group support to meet individual learning needs.

• Promoting pupils' communication, independence, confidence and social development.

• Supporting pupils to regulate their emotions and behaviour through agreed strategies and positive behaviour support approaches.

• Supervising pupils during break and lunchtime activities, encouraging positive social interaction and appropriate play.

• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral colleagues to meet pupils' individual needs.

• Recording observations and contributing to the monitoring of pupil progress.

• Maintaining a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment at all times.

This is a varied and rewarding role in which no two days are the same. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the lives of young people.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A caring, patient and resilient approach.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Flexibility, professionalism and the ability to respond positively to changing circumstances.

• A commitment to supporting children and young people with additional needs.

• The ability to build positive, professional relationships with pupils, colleagues and families.

• A willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development.

Previous experience working with children or young people, particularly within education, care, youth work, residential settings or health services, is desirable but not essential. Applications are welcomed from individuals with transferable skills and a genuine commitment to supporting young people with special educational needs.

• A comprehensive induction programme.

• Ongoing professional development and specialist training.

• Opportunities for career progression within specialist education.

• A supportive, collaborative and experienced staff team.

• A rewarding role where you can make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people.