Learning Support Assistant
Location: Barking, London
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm (term time)
We are looking for a caring, reliable and enthusiastic Level 2 Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist SEN school in Barking. The school supports pupils with severe, complex, profound and multiple learning difficulties, including autism and significant learning needs.
This is a highly rewarding role for someone who is passionate about working in a specialist SEN environment. You will work closely with teachers, therapists and support staff to help pupils feel safe, supported and able to access learning, care and wellbeing in a nurturing and inclusive setting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the class teacher with teaching, learning and assessment activities, including contributing to online learning journals
- Deliver and support specialist SEN strategies tailored to individual needs.
- Assist with preparing learning activities, visual supports, SEN resources and classroom displays
- Observe pupils and record engagement, responses and progress in line with SEN support plans
- Take part in all aspects of SEN school life, including playtimes, swimming sessions and personal care routines
- Provide emotional, behavioural and wellbeing support using positive behaviour strategies
- Support pupils with personal care needs, including toileting, hygiene, dressing and eating
- Carry out medical and healthcare tasks (such as gastrostomy care, suctioning, tracheostomy care and administering medication) following training and agreed care plans
- Follow manual handling procedures and positive behaviour support strategies at all times
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils and act as a consistent and positive role model
- Encourage communication, social interaction and engagement in teacher-led activities
- Adhere strictly to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection procedures
- Accompany pupils on educational visits and off-site activities
- Work collaboratively with therapists (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy) to deliver daily intervention programmes
- Contribute to wider SEN school activities, including events, celebrations and fundraising
- Share relevant information with teachers to support communication with parents and carers
Person Specification: Experience- Experience working with or caring for pre-school or primary-aged children with complex special educational needs is essential
Qualifications- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification, or relevant SEN experience
- First Aid training, or willingness to undertake training
Knowledge & Skills- Awareness of safeguarding, child protection and SEN legislation
- Understanding of child development within a specialist SEN setting
- Willingness to reflect on practice and engage in ongoing professional development
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with children and adults
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary SEN team
- Willingness and confidence to support personal care needs
Personal Attributes- Friendly, enthusiastic and flexible approach
- Calm, patient and resilient, with a positive and proactive attitude
- Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including manual handling
- Sensitive and responsive to the needs of children with complex and challenging behaviours
- Willing to work under the direction of teaching and senior SEN staff
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
