Learning Assistant

Job Description

Purpose of Role

The primary purpose of the Learning Assistant is to work under the guidance of teaching and senior staff to implement agreed work programs with individuals/groups in and out of the classroom.  This could include those requiring detailed and specialist knowledge in particular areas and will involve assisting the teacher in the management and preparation of resources.  The primary focus will be to support students in accessing the curriculum and assisting them to undertake and complete tasks.  

Key Responsibilities

Main Duties:

• Establish productive working relationships with children, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.
• Support children consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs.
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all children within the classroom.
• Encourage to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all students in activities.
• Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievements and self-reliance.
• Work with the teacher to establish an appropriate learning environment.
• Assist with the implementation of IEP’s.
• Monitor and evaluate children’s responses to learning. 
• Promote positive values, attitudes and good student behaviour, in line with established policy. 
• Implement agreed learning activities, adjusting activities according to responses and needs.
• Support the use of IT in learning activities and develop students’ competence and independence.
• Help all students to access learning activities.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the school.
• Assist with preparing equipment, apparatus and display boards.
• Supervising children to and from the swimming pool, including changing, as appropriate.  This is a shared responsibility with the teacher.
• Creating, checking and tidying resources, maintaining a well organised working environment.
• Playground duties and monitoring of snack time.
• Working with groups of children at the direction of the teacher.
• Assisting and implementing school policies.
• Be prepared to undertake further professional development.
• Take part in the performance management process, setting and reviewing annual targets.

Other:

• Any other duties required by the class teacher, Head of Year, Deputy Head, Assistant Head or the Head Teacher, which is in the scope of the post. 
• At all times carry out duties with due regard to the school’s Health and Safety policy. 
• Incorporate the school’s vision and mission into normal working practice. 
• Be responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children.
• Follow the reporting procedures contained in the Child Protection Policy with regards to raising concerns about the welfare of any.

PROFILE

• G.C.S.E. (or equivalent) grade C or above in English and math
• Experience of working with primary children 
• Experience of developing and preparing resources
• Some experience supporting pupils with additional learning needs

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Effective communication skills
• Highly organised
• Sensitive, caring and responsive to the needs of young people
• Enthusiastic and good at motivating students
• Ability to work constructively as part of a team
• Working knowledge of the Key Stage 1 and 2 curriculum

• An understanding of the principles of child development and learning processes and in particular barriers to learning
• A good understanding of classroom roles and responsibilities

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.