Learning Support Assistant (SEND) – Sheffield
We are seeking a Learning Support Assistant to provide support for pupils with additional needs within a special school in Sheffield. The school caters for pupils aged between 5 and 16 with Autism and associated communication and interaction difficulties.
The successful applicant will support pupils to access lessons across the curriculum, whilst also supporting during break and lunchtimes. There are currently 125 pupils who access the school and require specific and targeted support from Learning Support Assistants.
The Learning Support Assistant’s (LSA) main role will be to provide support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The appointed candidate will ensure that pupils can integrate as fully as possible in learning activities with their mainstream peers.
Duties will include running specific programmes and activities to assist the pupils’ individual learning and social needs. The Learning Support Assistant will be responsible for implementing the targets on the pupils’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) in liaison with the class teachers and the SENCO.
Key duties will include:
- Providing learning support for pupils in class or in 1:1 situations
- Developing knowledge of the particular needs of the children and seek advice from the SENCO, class teacher and outside agencies as required
- Creating or adapting resources as suggested and advised by the SENCO, Educational Psychologist or other outside agencies
- Maintaining an inclusive learning environment across the whole school environment
- Provide positive reinforcements, praise and rewards to pupils
- Facilitating inclusion in small group activities with peers and support interaction between them
- Contributing to pupils’ annual review by writing a brief report and attending the meeting
- Fostering links between home and school
- Understanding and applying the school policies on learning and behaviour, and the statutory guidelines relating to disability discrimination and special educational needs
This role will also involve close liaison with the school’s SENCO, Head Teacher, Class teachers, Deputy Head and other support staff, which may include outside agencies, e.g. Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists on behalf of the SENCO should the need arise.
The appointed Learning Support Assistant will:
- Have experience of working with children with special educational needs in a primary or secondary school setting
- Have knowledge and understanding of the different social, cultural and physical needs of pupils
- Have an interest in how children learn and behave
- Provide appropriate role models of behaviour both in the classroom and around school
- Have a passion for supporting young people, particularly those who find learning and managing their behaviour difficult
To apply for the role, please use the application links provided, along with an up to date CV and covering letter.