Job Ref No. ECC0-225S Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: £22,607.28 per annum (Term Time only)
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 13/08/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: ASAP  

Job Description

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Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Doucecroft School, part of Autism Anglia, are looking for Learning Support Assistants to join our friendly and dedicated team.

The successful LSA will aim to inspire and encourage learners to develop their knowledge and confidence across multiple educational disciplines, facilitating asupportive and safe environment for learning.This is an exciting opportunity that would be well suited to LearningSupport Assistants who enjoysupporting learners in both anindividual and group setting.

Location

Doucecroft School, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6

Salary

£22,607.28 per annum (term-time only, plus additional training days)

Hours

38.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year (term time only) plus 3 training days during school holidays

What the role involves

  • Provide directsupport to our learners in their learning environment in both a group andindividual setting
  • Taking anactive role in a wide range of classroom and physical activities throughout the academic year; assisting and working closely with the Class Teacher and Teaching Assistant to contribute to lessons
  • Gain excellent on-the-job trainingtogether with continued professional development,support, and supervision
  • Apply a nurturing and trauma-informed approach, demonstrating an understanding of SEMH needs and using appropriate strategies to support pupils' emotional wellbeing, resilience and learning.
  • Assist with the preparation for lessons, contribute towards and carry out schemes of work andIndividual Student Plans (ISP) and Care Plans under the direction of the class teacher
  • Keeping an up-to-date knowledge of each learner's stage of development regarding assessment, communication, ISPs, and management program
  • Supporting the class teacher in planning and preparing for educational visits and school journeys and accompanying learners on visits
  • Working with learners at lunchtime and supervising break times
  • To comply with and promote to others, the policies and procedures relating to the school, specifically those relating tochild protection n, safeguarding, health and safety, securityconfidentiality, and data protection
  • Potential driving responsibilities

What we're looking for

  • NVQ Level 3Supporting Teaching and Learning is highly desirable but not essential
  • Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above
  • Relevant experience working with learners with autism or learning disabilities in an educational setting is highly advantageous
  • Driving license highly desirable
  • Most importantly, we're looking for someone with patience,enthusiasm, and a genuine passion forsupporting young people.

Benefits & Support

At Doucecroft, we know our staff are at the heart of everything we do, so we make sure you're supported too. We provide:
Staff wellbeing programmes and mental health support, including free counselling

  • 24/7 GP access, bereavement counselling and a probate helpline
  • Comprehensive training, supervision and career development opportunities
  • Free on-site parking
  • Blue Light Card discounts across major retailers and services
  • Life cover, dental support and independent financial advice
  • A supportive and accessible leadership team

Doucecroft School also offers an excellent work-life balance, supported by its ethos and small class sizes.

Commitment to Diversity

We arecommitted to creating aninclusive environment where everyone feels valued.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

How to apply

If you're looking for a role where you can use your skills to change lives, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today by clicking the link below, and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch.

Doucecroft iscommitted to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, and we expect all staff toshare thiscommitment.This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, registration with the DBS Update Service, and other relevant checks, including verbal verification of references.

We welcome applications from all individuals who meet the requirements of the role and may wish to request flexible working or reasonable adjustments.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

Information about the School

Doucecroft School is a specialist co-educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, age 3 –19 years. Established in 1973, we are experienced and successful in meeting the needs of students with wide-ranging strengths and needs, providing a nurturing environment where students are able to thrive and grow in independence and self-esteem.

Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are provided on-site by our experienced therapy team.

Doucecroft School is part of Autism Anglia, a regional charity working with children, adults and families affected by Autism.

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.

Information about the school

Contact Information

Jenny Walshe
Abbotts Lane
Eight Ash Green, Colchester
Essex, CO6 3QL
Telephone: 01206 771234
Email: recruitment@autism-anglia.org.uk