Learning Support Assistant with SEND Experience

Job Description

Job Description: Learning Support Assistant (LSA) with Special Educational Needs Experience

The Robert Drake Primary School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

Job details

Salary: Scale 2, point 4 (£25,185 salary. Pro-rata £15,652 for 27.5 hours each week);

Contract type: Fixed, subject to 6-month probationary period. This contract is linked to the needs of identified pupil;

· Reporting to: SEND Co-ordinator (SENCO)/Phase Leaders/Co-Headteachers.

Main Purpose

The SEND LSA will be responsible for:

· Following all safeguarding and Child Protection procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils;

· Follow the school's rules, values and ethos, promoting and embedding this in all aspects of the school day;

· Supporting pupils, following the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Policy;

· Develop and model positive behaviours for learning to help build an environment where high standards of learning are expected;

· Provide learning and care support for pupils with special educational needs (SEND);

· Work alongside the teacher to plan and deliver an adapted curriculum and learning opportunities;

· Support pupils with routines, transitions and behaviour management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Supporting Pupils

· Build positive relationships with all pupils, promoting high self-esteem, independence and social inclusion;

· Adapt communication style to respond to pupils according to their individual needs;

· Support pupils with their social, emotional and mental health needs, escalating concerns where appropriate;

Promote high standards of behaviour, responding to incidents in line with the school's behaviour policies and guidelines;

· Assist with the development and delivery of Education, Health and Care Plan outcomes, One Plan next steps of learning and any other recommendations made by a range of professionals.

Teaching and Learning

· Contribute to the planning of adapted learning opportunities for individual or small groups of pupils with special educational needs (SEND), delivering activities inside or outside the classroom;

· Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning;

Use ICT skills to support and develop pupils' learning;

· Through observations, provide regular feedback to teachers on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning;

· Support class teachers with managing behaviour effectively to ensure a positive, happy and safe learning environment;

· Monitor, record and report on progress and attainment;

· Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the school;

Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher/Phase Leader/ SENCO/Co-Headteachers.

Working with Staff, Parents/Carers and Relevant Professionals

· Share knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision;

· Communicate effectively with parents/carers under the direction of teachers;

· Contribute to meetings with parents/carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers;

· Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school;

· Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues.

Professional Development

· Help keep their own knowledge and understanding relevant and up to date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness;

· Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school;

Take part in the school's appraisal procedures.

Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the postholder will carry out.

Person Specification
criteria
qualities
Qualifications
and training
· GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and maths;

· Evidence of professional development relevant to this role.
Experience
· Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting;

· Experience working with children / young people with special educational needs (SEND);

· Experience planning and delivering learning opportunities and activities.
Skills and knowledge
· Good English and maths skills;

· Good organisational skills;

· Excellent verbal communication skills;

Active listening skills;

· Ability to build effective working relationships with all pupils and adults;

· Ability to work as part of a team and to be flexible in their approach to daily routines;

· Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils;

· Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs;

· Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role, and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils;

· The ability to remain calm in stressful situations;

· Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children;

· Good IT skills, particularly using IT to support learning.
Personal qualities
· Enjoyment of working with children;

· Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils;

· A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school;

· Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times;

· Commitment to safeguarding pupil's wellbeing and equality;

Resilient, positive, flexible, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference;

· Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people.

Notes:
This job description may be amended at any time in consultation with the postholder.

Information about the School

The Robert Drake Primary School provides education for children from 4 to 11 years of age in the Thundersley area. We aim to create a caring, secure environment where everyone will work happily together. Each child will be encouraged to be hardworking and self-disciplined during their time here.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.