SEND Learning Support Assistant
LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT - SEND Contract: Permanent, Part Time hours available Hours: 9:15am to 3:45pm Weekly Hours: 24 or 30 hours per week available Salary: £24,700 FTE, pro rata for part-time hours
ABOUT THE ROLE We are recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist SEND provision supporting young people with severe learning difficulties and/or complex needs in the North Hampshire area.
Class sizes are small, with up to 8 students per class and typically 2 to 3 Learning Support Assistants supporting each group.
The curriculum has a strong focus on preparing young people for adulthood, including developing independence, daily living skills, communication and the confidence needed for adult life.
Students work across a range of levels, from below National Curriculum level through to Entry Level 1/2. Some students do not use speech, so staff use a variety of communication approaches and strategies depending on each student's individual needs.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT A background in education is not essential, and candidates coming from care or support environments would be welcomed.
The organisation provides:
- A comprehensive induction
- Specialist SEND training
- INSET and staff development days
- Opportunities to complete additional SEND learning modules online
- Ongoing development around learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs
JOB PURPOSE You will provide high-quality, person-centred learning support to young people with severe learning difficulties and/or complex needs.
You will help students engage with their learning, develop greater independence and work towards their individual learning, communication and personal development goals.
A key part of the role is helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need as they prepare for adulthood.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide in-class and small-group support under the guidance of teaching staff.
- Develop an understanding of each student's individual needs, strengths and barriers to learning.
- Adapt your communication and support approach to meet individual needs.
- Encourage students to participate in learning and develop their confidence.
- Promote independence rather than creating unnecessary dependence.
- Support young people in developing daily living and life skills.
- Help students work towards their individual learning and personal development goals.
- Monitor progress and provide feedback to teaching staff.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, support colleagues and other professionals.
- Build positive and professional relationships with students.
PERSONAL CARE AND PHYSICAL SUPPORT Depending on individual student needs, the role can involve providing personal and physical support, including:
- Mobility support
- Toileting
- Feeding
- Personal hygiene and dignity
- Hoisting
- Pushing wheelchairs for short distances
- Other appropriate physical assistance
Full guidance and training will be provided where required. Staff are expected to maintain each student's dignity, choice, wellbeing and independence at all times.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Maths and English at Level 2 or equivalent.
- An understanding of how additional needs can create barriers to learning and independence.
- A patient, supportive and person-centred approach.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to adapt your communication style to different needs.
- Commitment to promoting independence.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
- Willingness to undertake personal care and physical support where required.
- A strong commitment to safeguarding and the wellbeing of young people.
RELEVANT BACKGROUNDS Previous experience within a school or college is not essential. We would be particularly interested in speaking with candidates who have experience within:
- SEND education
- Learning support
- Teaching assistance
- Adult or children's care
- Residential care
- Health and social care
- Learning disability support
- Autism support
- Complex needs
- Youth support
- Community support
- Healthcare
- Personal care
Experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties, disabilities or complex needs would be particularly relevant.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT You will work within a specialist learning environment with small groups of young people and a high level of support within each class. The role can involve physical activity and personal care, so candidates should be comfortable supporting young people with a range of physical, communication and learning needs.