Learning Support Assistant

Job Description

ISP Learning Support Assistant Role Profile

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Purpose of Role

To assist and support pupils with special educational, social, emotional and behavior difficulties.

Reporting to: SENCo, Class teacher, and senior leadership as required

Key Responsibilities 

The Learning Support Assistant’s (LSA) main role is to provide 1:1 support for a child or small group of children with special educational, social, emotional and behavior difficulties.

The LSA will ensure that the pupils can integrate as fully as possible in the activities generally undertaken by the other children in the class and make progress.

Duties will include running specific programs and activities to assist the pupils’ individual learning and social needs.

The LSA will be responsible for implementing the targets on the pupils’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) in liaison with the class teachers and the SENCo.

• Supporting pupils

To provide learning support in 1:1 situation or small group situation

To develop knowledge of the particular needs of the child and seek advice from the SENCo, class teacher as required.

To aid access to the full range of learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom and provide modified materials as required e.g. worksheets, games, visual prompt cards etc.

To organize and maintain an inclusive learning environment across the whole school

Provide positive reinforcements, praise and rewards to pupils.

Facilitate inclusion in small group activities with peers and support interaction between them.

To attend in service training and relevant meetings relevant to the post in order to keep up to date with developments in working with children with special educational needs.

• Supporting the SENCO

To work as part of the team to ensure that the well being and personal development of the pupil enhances their learning opportunities and life skills.

To attend planning meetings with the SENCo to develop learning programs and to assist in the delivery of the individual learning programs on a daily basis to promote learning, behavior and communication skills.

To provide regular feedback to the SENCo about any pupil’s difficulties and progress.

To contribute to the pupils’ annual review by writing a brief report and attending the meeting

• Supporting the School

To foster links between home and school.

To participate in relevant professional development as deemed appropriate.

To understand and apply the school policies on learning and behavior

To maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to the pupils’ needs but have regard to the safeguarding procedures of the school.

To carry out duties as directed by the SENCo or Principal

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

You must be able to:

Carry out tasks and responsibilities under the direction of the SENCo, Class Teacher, Deputy Principal or Principal.

Plan and prioritize tasks and work under the pressure of a busy inclusive school.

Be productive and show initiative.

Communicate effectively and appropriately to pupils with different abilities and ethnic backgrounds.

Motivate pupils to learn.

Motivate pupils to be sociable.

Assist with the organization of the learning environment.

Maintain accurate records of the pupils.

Work effectively with other adults in the school and wider community.

Be a responsible and trustworthy role model.

Have patience with children who find conforming to rules and expectations difficult.

Requirements

Strong English language communicative ability

Bachelor’s degree in education or relevant field is preferred.

A minimum of 2 years' experience to work with children with special educational needs.

Have knowledge and understanding of the different social, cultural and physical needs of pupils or a willingness to learn.

Have an interest in how children learn and behave.

Provide appropriate role models of behavior both in the classroom and around school.

Really care about children, particularly those who find learning and managing their behavior difficult.

Have training in aspects of SEN, i.e. ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism or the willingness to undertake such training.

Clean criminal records.

Have patience and be flexible and innovative with a clear understanding of how children might behave who find learning new concepts and remembering taught concepts difficult.

Respect and maintain confidentiality but have regard to the safeguarding protocols of information sharing where necessary.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history. 

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.