SEN Learning Support Assistant

Job Description

We are seeking a caring, dedicated and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our team and provide one-to-one support for a Reception-aged child with complex and profound medical, physical and sensory needs. Full specialist training will be provided. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is committed to inclusion and is keen to develop expertise in supporting a child with significant physical care, communication and therapeutic needs within a mainstream school environment.

Previous experience of working with young children with SEND are essential; however, additional training would be given.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be enthusiastic, compassionate and committed to inclusion.
• Be able to work collaboratively as part of a highly supportive team around a child.
• Have experience of working with children with additional needs, disabilities or complex needs (desirable but not essential).
• Be willing to undertake specialist training to support a child with complex medical, physical and sensory needs.
• Be calm, patient and resilient, with a nurturing and child-centred approach.
• Be confident following guidance from teachers and external professionals, including speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
• Have excellent communication skills and be able to build positive relationships with children, families and professionals.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

You will be expected to:

• Provide dedicated one-to-one support for a Reception-aged child with complex medical, physical and sensory needs.
• Support the child to access learning, play and social opportunities throughout the school day.
• Deliver therapy programmes and intervention activities as directed by speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, following appropriate training.
• Support the child's physical development and participation through positioning, transfers, supported sitting, standing and mobility activities, using specialist equipment and following agreed care plans.
• Provide support with all aspects of personal care, including dressing, toileting, washing, feeding and maintaining the child's dignity and wellbeing.
• Monitor the child's safety, comfort and engagement throughout the school day and respond appropriately to their needs.
• Work closely with the class teacher, SENDCo, family and external professionals to ensure the child receives consistent, high-quality support.
• Contribute to the review and recording of progress, support plans and provision as required.
• Promote the child's independence, communication and participation in all aspects of school life.

We can offer

• A friendly, welcoming and highly supportive staff team.
• Extensive specialist training and ongoing professional development.
• The opportunity to develop skills in supporting children with complex medical, physical and sensory needs.
• Close support from experienced teachers, SEND staff and external professionals.
• Happy, well-behaved and hardworking children.
• An inclusive school community with strong governor and parental support.
• The opportunity to make a significant difference to the life and development of an individual child.
• We highly recommended a visit or you may prefer to call the school for an informal chat. Please contact the school office on 01279 812212 if you would like to discuss the role in more detail or arrange a visit.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, we reserve the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.

We follow safer requirement procedures and practise; appointments are subject to satisfactory DBS certification and references.