Learning Support Assistant (Part Time)

Job Description

Hours of work: 08:45am - 12:00pm Monday to Friday, Term Time Only.

Great Leighs Primary School is looking for a kind, patient and nurturing Learning Support Assistant to join our friendly and committed team.

The successful candidate will provide one-to-one support for pupils in Years 1 and 2 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. You will help the children feel safe, develop trusting relationships and become ready to engage positively with learning and school life.

We are looking for someone who brings a calm, consistent and positive approach to each day. You will need to be compassionate, resilient and able to respond sensitively to children who may have experienced significant challenges in their early lives.

The role will include:

Building safe, positive and trusting relationships with individual pupils.
Providing consistent one-to-one support in accordance with each pupil's individual needs and support plan.
Helping pupils to recognise and regulate their emotions.
Supporting pupils to access learning and take part in classroom activities.
Encouraging positive interactions with other children and adults.
Using appropriate strategies to engage pupils with specific and significant needs.
Working closely with class teachers, the SENDCo and other members of our supportive staff team.
Supporting teachers with the preparation of differentiated activities and simple learning resources.
Observing pupils' progress and sharing relevant information with teaching staff.
Following the school's Trauma Perceptive Practice (TPP) approach to behaviour and relationships.
Undertaking relevant training to support pupils' individual needs.
Attending INSET days and training as directed by the Headteacher.

We are looking for someone who:

Is warm, calm, patient and positive.
Understands that behaviour is a form of communication.
Can maintain clear, consistent and appropriate boundaries.
Is flexible, resilient and able to respond calmly in challenging situations.
Can use their initiative while following agreed plans and professional guidance.
Works well as part of a team and communicates effectively with colleagues.
Is willing to learn and develop their understanding of SEMH needs and trauma-informed practice.
Has a good sense of humour and enjoys being part of a caring school community.
Has relevant experience of supporting children with additional needs; experience of SEMH support would be an advantage.

We can offer:

A welcoming and supportive team who genuinely care about the children and one another.
A nurturing school environment in which every child is known and valued.
Support from experienced teachers, the SENDCo and school leaders.
Relevant training and opportunities for professional development.
A rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children's lives.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed.

Great Leighs Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references and checks relating to their suitability to work with children.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Information about the School

If this post attracts sufficient interest before the closing date, we may decide to close and interview for this vacancy at an earlier date, so an early application is advised. However, we would also be prepared to wait for the right candidate.

Great Leighs Primary School is set in an idyllic location, has country side views and plenty of outdoor space. We will offer the successful candidate a warm, welcoming and friendly school, supportive colleagues and Governing Board, children who are securely developing a love of learning and the opportunity to continue your own professional development journey both within school and within the partnerships that Great Leighs Primary has with other schools and settings.

Great Leighs Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safer recruitment practices and appointments are subject to successful DBS checks, medical clearance and reference

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.