Job Description
Download printable version
LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT (Autism Specialist) - WITHAM OAKS ACADEMY
Required ASAP
Do you have a passion for supporting children with Autism to thrive, succeed and achieve their full potential?
Witham Oaks Academy, part of Inspires Multi-Academy Trust, is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, caring and committed Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within our well-established specialist autism provision and mainstream setting, supporting children with a range of communication, interaction and learning needs.
The LSA working hours for this position are 24.5 hours per week, working pattern is 8.45am - 3.00pm Monday-Thursday and 8.45am-2.30pm Friday, term time only. (15-minute unpaid morning break), Scale 3 point 6, £14,831 per annum.
This also includes an additional 2.5 hours per week, (½ an hour per day), lunchtime support. (Scale 2 point 4, £1,466 per annum)
Total Salary, £16,297 per annum.
Applicants should have experience working with children in a school environment.It is essential that you have GCSEs (grades A-C) in both Maths and English, or hold equivalent qualifications in this area.
At Witham Oaks Academy, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring every child receives the support, encouragement and opportunities they need to flourish both academically and personally.
The Role
The successful candidate will:
- Support pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) to access learning and achieve positive outcomes.
- Work closely with class teachers, SEND professionals and families to implement personalised support strategies.
- Foster pupils' communication, independence, social interaction and emotional regulation skills.
- Adapt learning activities and resources to meet individual needs.
- Contribute to the positive ethos of the academy and specialist provision.
- Help create a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment where children can thrive.
We Are Looking for Someone Who:
- Has experience of working with children, preferably those with Autism or additional needs.
- Possesses a good understanding of Autism Spectrum Condition and the barriers autistic children may experience in education.
- Can build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
- Is patient, resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.
- Has excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion and improving outcomes for children with SEND.
- Is willing to engage in ongoing professional development and training.
We Can Offer:
- The opportunity to work alongside experienced SEND professionals and specialist staff.
- High-quality training and professional development opportunities.
- A supportive leadership team committed to staff wellbeing.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and families.
- Access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme.
- A welcoming and collaborative culture within Inspires Multi-Academy Trust.
About Witham Oaks Academy
Witham Oaks Academy is a highly inclusive primary academy with a strong reputation for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. Our specialist autism provision provides high-quality support for pupils with Autism whilst enabling them to access a broad and ambitious curriculum alongside their peers where appropriate.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to belong, participate and succeed, and we are looking for individuals who share this vision.
Visits to Witham Oaks Academy are warmly encouraged. Please contact the school office on 01376 513322 to arrange an appointment.
Inspires Multi-Academy Trust and our schools are committed to:
- Safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety, and the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, of children and young people;
- Promoting equality of opportunity and community cohesion where the diversity of different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued;
- Promoting the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs;
and expects all staff, volunteers and other workers to share this commitment.
It is recognised that this can only be achieved through sound procedures, good inter-agency co-operation and the recruitment and retention of competent, motivated employees who are suited to, and fulfilled in the roles they undertake.
The appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references.