1:1 Learning Support Assistant

The Blue Coat School; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A private educational institution in Birmingham is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to provide individual support to an EYFS pupil with additional needs. The role includes assisting with classroom activities, ensuring the pupil's emotional and social well-being, and collaborating with teaching staff and parents. Candidates must hold a relevant qualification, display excellent communication skills, and have a compassionate approach to working with children. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on a child's educational experience.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to support pupils with additional needs
• Understanding of child development and effects on learning
• Experience in effective communication and cooperation

Responsibilities

• Provide individual support in and out of the classroom
• Assist in sensory regulation for the pupil
• Liaise with parents and keep detailed records of progress

Skills

Ability to form and maintain positive relationships

Excellent communication skills

Empathy and experience of additional needs

Patience and resilience

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification or graduate degree in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a privately‑funded Learning Support Assistant with experience of working with children with additional needs to provide individual support in and out of the classroom for an EYFS pupil with additional needs. This job description is indicative of the nature and level of responsibilities associated with the post and is not intended to be exhaustive; other tasks may be allocated as necessary from time to time. The post may be amended at any appropriate time following consultation between the post holder and a senior colleague and will be reviewed half‑termly.

Responsibilities

• Build жизнью the pupil to respond appropriately and safely in the event of distress.
• Make a genuine difference to the pupil’s experience in school to ensure they reach their true potential.
• Support the Class Teacher.Regular and SENCo in creating a happy, secure, safe and stimulating environment.
• Model the School’s statement of aims, policies and schemes of work.
• Liaise with teaching staff to assist in the monitoring, assessment and recording of the pupil’s social progress systematically.

• Meet and greet the pupil on entry to school (8:00 am) daily, ensuring a calm start to the day.
• Assist in supporting sensory regulation to enable a calm state and readiness for learning.
• Work with the pupil in lessons and interventions, ensuring they remain focused and on task; offer clarification and assistance when needed.
• Supervise the pupil at break and lunch times, including indoor and outdoor play, promoting safe and calm social interaction with peers.
• Supervise the pupil inside as well as outside the classroom and during off‑site visits and outings when required.
• Provide a hand‑over to parents at the end of each school day.
• liaise with parents at least weekly to ensure they are informed of successes and challenges.
• Keep clear and detailed records of successes and challenges, adding these to the school’s information management system.
• Attend assemblies and Chapel Services asöffentlich required.
• Be available to attend other school events as required.
• Set and maintain high standards of work in supporting teaching and learning, as well as personal and professional conduct.

• Comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Comply fully with "Keeping Children Safe in Education" and any relevant supplementary guidance.
• Comply fully with "Working Together to Safeguard Children" and any relevant supplementary guidance.
• Abide by the School’s current systems and structures as outlined in policy documents, including First Aid, Health and Safety and safeguarding and child‑protection policies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the pupil’s parents.
• Participate in meetings with colleagues and parents regarding the duties and responsibilities of the post.
• Be punctual, adaptable and dress in a smart but practical manner.
• Ensure that principles for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the child and the principles of the fundamental British values are actively promoted.

• Assist with any reasonable request in connection with the day‑to‑day organisation of the pupil in their classroom.

Qualifications / Professional Development

• Teaching Assistant qualification or a graduate degree in a relevant field.
• Have a strong desire to make a genuine difference to a child’s experience in school to ensure they reach their true potential.
• Understand how a pupil’s learning is affected by their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development and understand the stages of child development.
• Be a patient, determined, nurturing and resilient role model with empathy and experience of additional needs to provide appropriate support.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, always displaying initiative and motivation.
• Have a willingness to read and research to learn more about supportive strategies, e.g. zones of regulation.
• Develop a trusting relationship with the child and be willing to develop an in‑depth understanding of their needs, including ARFID.
• Engage in training to safely feed the child via gastrostomy and know what to do in an emergency.
• Competently implement advice and strategies, including therapeutic techniques fibre and activities shared by external professionals (e.g. SaLT & OT).
• Be familiar with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy and have knowledge of current educational best(tp قضية) practice to support pupils with additional needs.
• Evidence of recent involvement in supporting pre‑school and/or primary‑aged pupils with additional needs.
• Understanding of how to meet the needs of a pupillexible with SEN.
• Effective communication, listening and written skills.

Knowledge

• Sound understanding of safeguarding principles.
• Sound knowledge of childhood development.
• Knowledge of current good practice for pre‑school and/or primary‑aged pupils.

Personal attributes

• Ability to form and maintain positive relationships.
• Sensitivity to others931 and the ability to work co‑operatively.
• Sympathy with the Christian ethos and activities of the school.
• A professional manner and appearance.

About the School

The Blue Coat School is an independent day preparatory school offering an outstanding educational experience to over 700 boys and girls, aged 3 to 11 years. Located in Edgbaston, it occupies 15 acres of playing fields and gardens and is a thriving community where children achieve great things, not just academically but in all areas. Our extensive co‑curricular programme offers opportunities beyond the classroom and nurtures well‑rounded children, preparing them for life beyond Blue Coat.