Learning Support Assistant

Job Title Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Responsible To Class Teacher, SENDCo and Headteacher Purpose of the Role We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and adaptable Learning Support Assistant to join our team. The successful candidate will work alongside teachers and other professionals to support pupils' learning, development, wellbeing and inclusion. The role involves working flexibly with whole classes, small groups and individual pupils across the school. This may include supporting children with a wide range of needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), behavioural needs and pupils requiring additional academic support. The Learning Support Assistant will help create a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment where every child is encouraged to achieve their full potential, develop independence and experience success.

Duties and Responsibilities

Planning and Organisation To contribute to discussions with teachers regarding lessons, learning activities and pupil support. To assist in adapting learning materials and resources to enable pupils to access the curriculum effectively. To support the organisation and management of resources and equipment used to support learning. To assist with the planning, organisation and supervision of educational visits, enrichment activities and outings. To contribute ideas and feedback regarding strategies that support pupil engagement, learning and wellbeing. Classroom Preparation Under the direction of the class teacher, prepare classrooms and associated learning areas for lessons and activities. Prepare, organise and maintain teaching resources, displays and learning materials. Support the creation of an engaging and stimulating learning environment. Ensure learning areas, resources and equipment are maintained in a safe and organised condition. Assist in preparing materials and resources that support the needs of individual pupils and groups. Supporting Teaching and Learning Work alongside teachers to support high-quality teaching and learning across the curriculum. Support learning within whole-class, group and individual settings. Deliver planned intervention programmes and targeted support activities under the guidance of teachers and the SENDCo. Encourage pupils to participate fully in learning activities and classroom discussions. Provide appropriate scaffolding and support to enable pupils to access learning successfully. Help pupils to develop confidence, resilience, independence and positive attitudes towards learning. Support pupils to understand lesson objectives, instructions and success criteria. Reinforce learning through questioning, explanation, modelling and encouragement. Observe and record pupil engagement, progress and outcomes, providing feedback to teachers as required. Supporting Pupils Develop an understanding of the individual needs, strengths and barriers to learning experienced by pupils. Work with pupils who have a range of needs, including SEND, SEMH, communication and interaction needs, sensory needs, physical needs and behavioural needs. Support pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and other identified support plans. Promote inclusion and ensure pupils can participate fully in all aspects of school life. Foster positive relationships that support pupils' emotional wellbeing and self-esteem. Encourage independence and avoid creating unnecessary reliance on adult support. Assist pupils in developing social skills, emotional regulation and positive relationships with others. Support pupils through periods of challenge or dysregulation using agreed strategies and behaviour approaches. Help pupils to understand and follow school routines, expectations and behaviour standards. Maintain high expectations for pupils' learning, behaviour and conduct at all times. Behaviour and Inclusion Support the school's behaviour for learning policy and promote a calm, orderly and respectful learning environment. Use positive behaviour support strategies to encourage engagement, participation and self-regulation. Model appropriate behaviour, language and interactions at all times. Support pupils in resolving difficulties and restoring positive relationships where appropriate. Work closely with teachers, leaders and pastoral staff to support pupils whose learning may be affected by behavioural, emotional or social needs. Care and Welfare Promote the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils. Support pupils' personal, social and emotional development. Administer first aid, where appropriately trained, and report accidents or injuries in line with school procedures. Support the administration of prescribed medication in accordance with school policies and procedures. Care appropriately for children who become unwell during the school day and follow agreed procedures regarding parental contact. Ensure Health and Safety procedures are followed at all times. Be vigilant in identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns in accordance with school policies. Supervision Supervise and support pupils during assemblies, playtimes, lunchtimes and other non-classroom activities as required. Support pupils during educational visits and off-site activities. Ensure pupil safety, wellbeing and positive conduct during supervision duties. Liaison and Communication Work collaboratively with teaching staff, support staff, leaders and external professionals. Contribute to review meetings, SEND meetings and other relevant discussions regarding pupil progress and support. Share relevant information about pupil progress, wellbeing and concerns with appropriate staff. Foster positive relationships between home and school where appropriate. Maintain professional and confidential communication at all times. Professional Development Attend relevant training, INSET days and professional development opportunities. Participate fully in the school's appraisal process. Keep up to date with developments in teaching, learning, SEND, behaviour support and safeguarding. Reflect on practice and seek opportunities for continual improvement. Commitment to the School Support and uphold the vision, values and ethos of the school and Great Learners Trust. Contribute positively to the wider life of the school and support school events and activities where appropriate. Promote inclusion, equality and respect for all members of the school community. Maintain confidentiality in line with school policy. Act as a positive ambassador for the school within the community.

Safeguarding Statement

Great Learners Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, satisfactory references, enhanced DBS clearance and any other pre-employment checks required by Keeping Children Safe in Education. Please check the attachment for Person Specification Criteria.