Job Description
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Learning Support Assistant
Salary: NJC Point 4 (£21,954.52) - paid 44 weeks per year
Contract: Part-time, Permanent, Term‑time only
Hours: 37 hours per week
Hours of work: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm
About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Learning Support Assistant to join our vibrant school which includes our Early Years team of Reception and Nursery; our SEND Hub provision and our KS1 and KS2 classes.
This is an exciting opportunity for a practitioner who is passionate about early childhood education and ready to take the next step in their career.
The successful candidate will be part of high‑quality provision across our school. This may include Reception, Nursery and Special Educational Needs Hub provision; but may also include years 1 - 6, ensuring a stimulating environment where every child can thrive.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong knowledge and hands‑on experience of working with children in an Early Years or primary school environment
- Is committed to ongoing professional development
- Has high expectations for children's learning, behaviour, and inclusion
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Is committed to safeguarding, equality, and maintaining confidentiality
- Supports and promotes the Catholic ethos and values of our school (applications from non‑Catholics who support our ethos are warmly welcomed)
Although not essential, a Level 3 Early Years qualification is desirable
We can offer you:
- Wonderful children who are eager to learn
- A dedicated, supportive and motivated staff team
- A forward‑thinking, inclusive school community
- Opportunities for professional development
- The chance to be part of a wider network of schools within the Assisi Catholic Trust
Visits to the School
We warmly encourage prospective candidates to visit us. Please contact the school office on 01268 683903 or email office@stjosephscanvey.net (FAO Mr James Green, Headteacher) to arrange a visit.
How to Apply
Full details and an application form are available on our school website. Completed application forms should be sent to: recruitment@assisicatholictrust.com
We are a Catholic school, but applications are equally welcome from non‑Catholic candidates who support our ethos.
Safeguarding Statement
Assisi Catholic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check. References will be sought and an online search will be carried out as part of our safer recruitment procedures.
Closing Date: 4th November 2026 (We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date.)
Interview Date: Week commencing 9th November 2026
Start Date: As soon as possible
Job Description
The Learning Support Assistant supports high‑quality teaching and learning across the school including Early Years Foundation Stage, (Nursery, Reception and the SEND Hub) and KS1/2. The role ensures that all children experience a warm, nurturing, stimulating environment rooted in the Catholic ethos of St Joseph's, where every child is valued and able to thrive.
The postholder works under the direction of the EYFS Lead and/or class teachers, supporting children's learning, wellbeing, safety and inclusion.
1. Supporting Teaching & Learning
● Support high‑quality learning experiences aligned with the EYFS/Primary curriculum.
● Work with individuals and small groups to reinforce teaching, extend learning and promote independence.
● Use high‑quality interactions, modelling and open‑ended questioning.
● Support children's engagement in continuous provision indoors and outdoors.
● Prepare, organise and maintain resources to support learning.
● Contribute to observations and assessments under teacher direction.
2. Supporting Children's Development & Wellbeing
● Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
● Promote the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
● Support children's personal, social and emotional development.
● Help children develop communication, language and early literacy skills.
● Encourage independence in self‑care, routines and transitions.
3. Inclusion, SEND & Pastoral Support
● Work closely with the SENDCo to implement strategies for children with SEND.
● Support One Plans, EHCP targets and Early Help processes.
● Make reasonable adjustments to activities and environments.
● Provide calm, consistent support for children with SEMH needs.
● Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.
4. Safeguarding, Welfare & Health and Safety
● Follow all safeguarding procedures and report concerns immediately.
● Support safe supervision of children including outdoor learning.
● Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety and risk assessment.
● Record accidents and incidents following school policy.
● Support children with medical needs in line with training and care plans.
5. Communication & Teamwork
● Work collaboratively with teachers, EYFS colleagues and wider school staff.
● Communicate professionally with parents and carers.
● Contribute to team meetings, planning discussions and reflective practice.
● Uphold the Catholic ethos and values of the school.
6. Professional Development
● Engage in ongoing CPD and Trust‑wide development.
● Reflect on practice and contribute to continuous improvement.
● Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of EYFS reforms, Ofsted expectations and best practice.
Person Specification
Essential
● Knowledge of child development.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to work as part of a team with professionalism and warmth.
● Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and confidentiality.
● Ability to follow teacher direction and use initiative appropriately.
● Strong organisational skills and ability to manage routines.
● Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to train).
Desirable
● Experience in an Early Years Setting.
● Level 3 Early Years qualification
● Experience supporting children with SEND.
● Knowledge of Tapestry or similar assessment platforms.
● Experience delivering small‑group interventions.
Information about the School
St Joseph's aims to create and sustain an environment in which all people involved - children, staff and parents - may grow in their faith and in their love of God developing respect for themselves and an awareness of the needs and gifts of others.
We wish all children in our care to be happy and independent in a positive and encouraging atmosphere developing their own potential.
The school also undertakes to help and support the parents who are the first and most important educators of their children.
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is a member of the Assisi Catholic Trust of schools. The aim of the Trust is to provide the children in its care with the best possible education within a caring and supportive Catholic ethos.
We will support the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and physical development of each child, as well as maximising progress, achievement and attainment to ensure their intellectual growth and to fulfil their potential.
Our Schools are:
• Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Benfleet
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Leigh-on-Sea
• Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Primary School, Rayleigh
• Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Southend-on-sea
• St Helen’s Catholic Primary School, Westcliff-on-sea
• St George’s Catholic Primary School, Shoeburyness
• St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Canvey Island
• St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Rochford
• St Thomas More High School, Westcliff-on-sea