Job Description
The White House School
Job Description – Learning Support Assistant
Start Date – 17th April 2023 (start of the summer term)
Post Title: Learning Support Assistant
Hours per week: Full time term time position.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: From £17,500
Reports to: Assistant Headteacher/SENCO
1. School Overview
We are a brand new, primary school (from Years 2 to 6) which forms part of the SEND community in Poole, Dorset, as part of ARC Schools. We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, engaging and passionate Learning Support Assistant to join our growing and committed staff team. As an independent school specialising in educating pupils with an ASC diagnosis, who are in school years 2-6, we are looking for a candidate with experience in a primary educational setting or SEND Schools. Our pupils have a range of interests, all of whom have talents, and also happen to have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition or a need which presents similarly. The school is growing steadily as we introduce a phased-opening system and will be offering new classes/year groups every half term. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing school and to become an integral, founding part of the staff team.
2. Purpose of the Role
As an independent school specialising in educating pupils with an ASC diagnosis who are in school years 2-6 we are looking for a motivated LSA with experience in a primary educational setting or specialists settings. You will be supporting professionals across the curriculum and school, working directly with pupils to support their learning, cover lessons in the absence of the teacher and provide 1:1 interventions.
3. Key Accountabilities & Duties
Work with class teachers to implement support strategies and differentiation within the classroom, creating resources as required and requested.
Deliver intimate care for pupils, as required.
Plan, prepare and deliver learning to individuals, small groups and/or classes modifying and adapting activities to advance pupils’ learning as necessary within agreed systems of supervision.
Contribute to high quality learning experiences using a variety of delivery and support methods.
Support the class teacher, and work individually, to assess, record and report on baseline assessments, development, progress and attainment and use this knowledge and understanding to extend and challenge pupil’s learning.
Provide academic and pastoral support to pupils in accordance with agreed procedures.
Create an outstanding pupil experience which leads to progression.
Manage pupil issues within agreed protocols.
Undertake such other reasonable duties as the Headteacher may require from time to time and review this Job Description annually with the Headteacher.
Participate in the School’s appraisal process and to undertake any training that is required and may be appropriate.
Take appropriate responsibility to ensure the health and safety of self and others.
Pursue the achievement and integration of equal opportunities throughout all The White House School’s activities.
Promote pupil’s personal development.
Ensure the safeguarding of pupils is always of paramount importance and follow the school’s child protection and safeguarding procedures.
Duties falling within the scope of designated contact hours:
● Resourcing and implementing differentiation, as guided by the class teacher
● Scheduled cover supervising, as required
● 1:1 intervention
● Break and lunchtime pupil supervision
● Supporting of lessons, working with small groups of pupils or on a 1:1 basis
● Support and promote our school ethos and approach, including all activities relating to mindfulness and personal development
● Support community/enrichment activities (including trips related to learning and running an extra-curricular club).
● Completion of paperwork in relation to pupil disciplinary matters
● Contribute to the reports written for both parents and local authorities, including providing timely feedback to the SENCO for Annual Review meetings.
● Attend staff development events and weekly staff meetings
● Continually maintain and develop pedagogic skills, subject understanding and knowledge of awarding body and subject specification requirements; undertake and meet any relevant CPD requirements
● Industrial/commercial and academic updating of professional and technical skills
● General administration relevant to the role
● Liaison with our therapy team and other specialists to ensure enhanced provision is in place at all times by supporting our multi-disciplinary approach
● Liaison with parents/carers/guardians
*The above list of duties is not exhaustive and is subject to change. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties within the scope and grading of the post.
4. Equal Opportunities
The White House School will seek to ensure that all existing and potential employees and pupils are given equal opportunities for employment and education.
It is committed to the elimination of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of sex, age, marital status, race, nationality or other ethnic or national origin, disability, sexuality, trade union membership or activity and religious background.
The school will seek to ensure that no applicant for employment or education is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be justified. The school aims to provide an open welcoming and safe environment for all its pupils, employees, and visitors.
Healthy Hearts, Happy Minds
The White House School
5. Safeguarding
The White House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be conducted; references will be sought, and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced
DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.
We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, both of which are available on request. As you have been shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
(exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected
(filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account.
6. Further Information
This Job Description and Person Specification are current as of January 2023.
In consultation with you it is liable to variation to reflect changes in the job. If you have any queries relating to your Job Description and/or Person Specification, please consult the Headteacher.
Person Specification – Learning Support Assistant
Criteria
Knowledge
Essential:
● Up to date and excellent curriculum knowledge
● Knowledge of learning difficulties and disabilities and an in depth understanding of the effects on learning
● Knowledge of assessment and practise
● Knowledge of ASC teaching and support strategies
Effective knowledge of strategies that maintain a learning environment with high standards of behaviour and conduct
Desirable:
Knowledge gained from teaching in specialist settings
Experience
Essential:
● Demonstrate evidence of practise in working with pupils who have learning difficulties and disabilities
Current experience of working with children and being able to promote a desire for learning
Desirable:
· Experience of specialist settings
· Experience of small class support and teaching
Skills and abilities
Essential:
● Excellent interpersonal skills
● Be able to support and promote a reflective learning ethos
● Be creative and flexible in the way you work
● Excellent communication skills
Committed to your own professional development and participate fully in the school’s community
Desirable:
Good sense of humour and a team spirit!
Personal attributes
Essential:
● Commitment to the additional support needs of all learners and to the development of cooperative responses through a strong team approach
● Excellent interpersonal skills and a sense of humour
● Exceptional team working ethos
● Confidence in working with a range of pupils, staff and external agencies
Proactive and innovative with ability to problem solve.
Qualifications
Essential:
● Evidence of continuing professional development
GCSE’s in English, Maths and Science – Grade C or equivalent
Desirable:
● Honours undergraduate degree
Healthy Hearts, Happy Minds
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: From £17,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- WIMBORNE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- learning support: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: One location
Application deadline: 17/03/2023
Reference ID: Learning Support Assistant
Expected start date: 17/04/2023
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