Learning Support Assistant

Join Our Shine Team - Make a Difference Every Day Are you passionate about helping young people thrive? Do you have an interest in autism and special educational needs? Furze Platt Senior School is looking for an enthusiastic, caring and reliable individual to join our dedicated Shine team, providing targeted support to students with an autism diagnosis within our Shine Resource Base. This is a rewarding opportunity to play an important role in helping our students develop confidence, independence and the skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond. About Furze Platt Furze Platt is a highly successful, mixed comprehensive school serving the children and young people of Maidenhead. With around 1,500 students, we are an ambitious, high-achieving and fully inclusive school where every student is encouraged and supported to achieve their best. We pride ourselves on creating a friendly, harmonious and supportive environment, where the wellbeing and development of our staff is just as important as that of our students. About the role Working under the direction of our Shine teachers and classroom teachers, you will provide support for individual students across Key Stages 3 to 5, helping them to access the curriculum and make progress in line with their SEND and other specialist plans. You will also: Provide targeted one-to-one support and mentoring. Support small-group interventions. Help students develop their organisational, social and communication skills. Support students to access learning through differentiated instructions and tasks. Build positive, trusting relationships with students and encourage their confidence and independence. Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff and parents/carers. Who are we looking for? We are looking for someone who is compassionate, adaptable and committed to making a positive difference to the lives of young people. You will be a team player who can communicate sensitively and confidently with students, colleagues and parents/carers. You will also be able to use your own initiative and have strong organisational and time-management skills. Experience of working with children or young people in a school setting would be an advantage, particularly experience or knowledge of SEND and/or autism. However, we would also welcome applications from individuals who are enthusiastic about developing their skills in this rewarding area. Working pattern 3 days per week: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - 8.45 - 3.15pm with half an hour unpaid break. Term time only, plus 2 INSET days Why join Furze Platt? We want our staff to feel valued, supported and part of our school community. As part of the Furze Platt team, you will benefit from: A friendly and supportive working environment. A strong commitment to staff physical and mental wellbeing. Discounted membership of our fully equipped, well-maintained on-site gym. Access to a wellbeing benefit offering video and phone GP consultations, counselling support, physiotherapy and much more - all designed to help support your health and wellbeing. Opportunities to get involved in our wider staff community, including social events, after-school sports and our Furze Platt fantasy football league. Recognition of long service and a culture that values staff contribution. Make a difference with us If you are enthusiastic about supporting young people, have a genuine interest in autism and SEND, and would like to be part of a welcoming and ambitious school community, we would love to hear from you. Furze Platt Senior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should the right candidate be appointed, so early applications are encouraged.