Description
LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT – SEND
Contract: Permanent, Part Time hours available
Hours: 9:15am to 3:45pm
Weekly Hours: 24 or 30 hours per week available
Salary: £24,700 FTE, pro rata for part-time hours
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist SEND provision supporting young people with severe learning difficulties and/or complex needs in the North Hampshire area.
Class sizes are small, with up to 8 students per class and typically 2 to 3 Learning Support Assistants supporting each group.
The curriculum has a strong focus on preparing young people for adulthood, including developing independence, daily living skills, communication and the confidence needed for adult life.
Students work across a range of levels, from below National Curriculum level through to Entry Level 1/2.
Some students do not use speech, so staff use a variety of communication approaches and strategies depending on each student's individual needs.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
A background in education is not essential, and candidates coming from care or support environments would be welcomed.
The organisation provides:
A comprehensive induction
Specialist SEND training
INSET and staff development days
Opportunities to complete additional SEND learning modules online
Ongoing development around learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs JOB PURPOSE
You will provide high-quality, person-centred learning support to young people with severe learning difficulties and/or complex needs.
You will help students engage with their learning, develop greater independence and work towards their individual learning, communication and personal development goals.
A key part of the role is helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need as they prepare for adulthood.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide in-class and small-group support under the guidance of teaching staff.
Develop an understanding of each student's individual needs, strengths and barriers to learning.
Adapt your communication and support approach to meet individual needs.
Encourage students to participate in learning and develop their confidence.
Promote independence rather than creating unnecessary dependence.
Support young people in developing daily living and life skills.
Help students work towards their individual learning and personal development goals.
Monitor progress and provide feedback to teaching staff.
Work collaboratively with teachers, support colleagues and other professionals.
Build positive and professional relationships with students. PERSONAL CARE AND PHYSICAL SUPPORT
Depending on individual student needs, the role can involve providing personal and physical support, including:
Mobility support
Toileting
Feeding
Personal hygiene and dignity
Hoisting
Pushing wheelchairs for short distances
Other appropriate physical assistance Full guidance and training will be provided where required.
Staff are expected to maintain each student's dignity, choice, wellbeing and independence at all times.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Maths and English at Level 2 or equivalent.
An understanding of how additional needs can create barriers to learning and independence.
A patient, supportive and person-centred approach.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to adapt your communication style to different needs.
Commitment to promoting independence.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
Willingness to undertake personal care and physical support where required.
A strong commitment to safeguarding and the wellbeing of young people. RELEVANT BACKGROUNDS
Previous experience within a school or college is not essential.
We would be particularly interested in speaking with candidates who have experience within:
SEND education
Learning support
Teaching assistance
Adult or children's care
Residential care
Health and social care
Learning disability support
Autism support
Complex needs
Youth support
Community support
Healthcare
Personal care Experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties, disabilities or complex needs would be particularly relevant.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
You will work within a specialist learning environment with small groups of young people and a high level of support within each class.
The role can involve physical activity and personal care, so candidates should be comfortable supporting young people with a range of physical, communication and learning needs
