Learning Support Assistant

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE Through the application of specific knowledge and skills: To support teaching staff in raising standards of attainment for all students (e.g., SEND, EAL, all underachieving groups and those Visually Impared) To assist with the planning, monitoring, assessment and management of classes To encourage students to become independent learners through the provision of support for their welfare, facilitating the inclusion of students in all aspects of school life. To work independently and collaboratively with teaching staff and to assist with the planning cycle and preparation of resources. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The Learning Support Assistant’s (LSA) main role is to: deliver structured, small-group or 1:1 speech and language programmes (e.g., vocabulary building, narrative skills, and auditory memory support) as directed by Speech and Language Therapists. facilitate structured social skills groups or speech-linked lunchtime clubs to help students navigate the complex social landscape of secondary school. act as a liaison between external Speech and Language Therapy services and subject teachers, ensuring therapist recommendations are practically implemented in daily lessons. Track and record student progress against specific communication targets. provide 1:1 support for students with special educational, social, emotional and behaviour difficulties ensure that students can integrate as fully as possible in activities undertaken by other students in the class to enable them to make progress run specific programmes and activities to support students’ individual learning and social needs be responsible for implementing targets on students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP) in liaison with class teachers and the SENDCo. Duties will include: Establishing and maintaining professional positive relationships with students, staff and parents, fostering links between home and school Developing knowledge of the particular needs of each student, supporting them with learning activities and facilitating independent learning that encourages them to take responsibility for their own learning Liaising with the SENDCO, teaching staff and external agencies to seek advice on supporting identified EHCP students as Key Workers Attending planning meetings with the SENDCo to develop learning programmes and assist in the delivery of individual learning programmes to promote learning, behaviour and communication skills Providing regular feedback to the SENDCo and, where necessary, relevant outside agencies about a student’s difficulties and progress Preparation of lessons with teaching staff, participating in lesson planning and evaluation/adjustment of lesson plans Developing and preparing resources for learning activities in accordance with lesson plans and in response to student needs Delivering learning to individuals, small groups and whole classes as and when required within agreed systems of supervision Supporting the teaching of the National Literacy Strategy and National Numeracy Strategy and assisting students in accessing the full curriculum Contributing to maintaining student records Supporting students within the inclusion area in small groups and 1:1 settings Keeping detailed records of timetabled small group and 1:1 learning support sessions, using evaluations of these records to inform future planning Contributing to the effective and consistent management of student behaviour through the use of positive reinforcements, praise and rewards Understanding and applying school policies on learning and behaviour, and statutory guidelines relating to disability discrimination and special educational needs. Respecting and maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity to students’ needs whilst having regard for the school’s safeguarding protocols Keeping an up-to-date Learning Support Assistant file detailing support for students and strategies Keeping abreast of developments in working with children with special educational needs. Attending INSET training sessions and staff meetings Undertaking a weekly morning break and/or lunch duty, supervising students in and around the school premises To be available to assist with the annual school open day, school trips and any school emergencies. Please see the Job Description for further information. In return, you will have access to our staff benefits package including: An annual Flex Day to be taken on a day of your choice (with an additional day granted for every 4 years of service) Commitment to flexible working Free parking on site Free use of the school gym Cycle to work scheme Free 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Programme Access to our in-house team of Mental Health First Aiders Buddy system for new staff Access to mentoring and CPD opportunities Regular staff socials Discounts with local businesses An opportunity to work with friendly and welcoming colleagues in a modern, aesthetically pleasing and forward-thinking environment. At KWS, we understand the value of having a workforce that reflects and represents our multi-ethnic student body from an equality, diversity and inclusivity perspective. We therefore welcome and embrace applications from all backgrounds. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and visitors to share this commitment. This post will require a Full Enhanced, with List Checks, Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). As part of our selection and appointment process, and in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we are required to conduct online searches on all candidates in order to identify any incidents or concerns which are publicly available online. By submitting and signing your application, you acknowledge that such searches will be conducted as part of the selection and appointment process. Applications will be shortlisted throughout the process, and we may interview and close the advert early if we are in a position to recruit a suitable candidate. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply early. For more details about the school please visit our website and prospectus, links below https://kwschool.co.uk/ https://kwschool.co.uk/prospectus/