ESOL - Learning Support Assistant in North London Secondary School

Principal Education; City Of London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in the UK is seeking an individual to support EAL/ESOL students in developing their English language skills. The role involves in-class assistance, targeted interventions, and fostering social integration. Ideal candidates will communicate clearly, understand EAL/ESOL strategies, and work collaboratively with teachers. This position is perfect for someone passionate about education and inclusive practices.

Qualifications

• Clear and patient communication is essential for supporting students.
• Strong English language skills are required for effectively assisting learners.
• Understanding of EAL/ESOL strategies like scaffolding and modelling is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Support students in mainstream lessons by clarifying teacher instructions.
• Assist with academic and social English development.
• Work with small groups or individuals to provide targeted interventions.
• Help students feel included and confident in their learning environment.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to monitor student progress.

Skills

Clear, patient communication

Strong English language skills

Understanding of EAL/ESOL strategies

Cultural awareness and empathy

Ability to encourage independence

Teamwork and flexibility

Job description

To support EAL/ESOL students so they can:

• Develop English language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing)

• Access the secondary school curriculum

• Build confidence, independence, and social integration

Key Responsibilities 1. In-Class Support

• Support students during mainstream lessons (e.g. English, Maths, Science)

• Clarify teacher instructions using simplified language, visuals, or modelling

• Pre-teach or reinforce key vocabulary and subject-specific language

• Check understanding and encourage participation

• Support note-taking, reading tasks, and written work

Key Responsibilities 2. Language Development Support

• Help students develop:

  • Academic English (subject language, exam vocabulary)

  • Social English (everyday communication)

• Support speaking and listening through discussion, questioning, and modelling

• Assist with reading comprehension and writing structure

Key Responsibilities 3. Small Group / One-to-One Support

• Work with individuals or small groups outside the classroom

• Deliver targeted ESOL interventions planned by the teacher or EAL coordinator

• Support newly arrived students or those at early stages of English acquisition

Key Responsibilities 4. Supporting Inclusion and Wellbeing

• Help students feel safe, included, and confident in school

• Support social integration with peers

• Be aware of cultural differences and sensitivities

• Offer emotional reassurance, especially for newly arrived pupils or refugees

Key Responsibilities 5. Working with Staff

• Work closely with:

  • Class teachers

  • SENCO and EAL coordinator

  • Pastoral staff

• Share observations about student progress and challenges

• Support assessment of English proficiency where required

Key Responsibilities 6. Supporting Assessment and Progress

• Help students understand assessment tasks and expectations

• Support preparation for tests and exams (without giving answers)

• Monitor progress in English development and report back to teachers

Skills and Qualities Needed

• Clear, patient communication

• Strong English language skills

• Understanding of EAL/ESOL strategies (scaffolding, visuals, modelling)

• Cultural awareness and empathy

• Ability to encourage independence (not over-support)

• Teamwork and flexibility

Typical ESOL Strategies Used

• Visual aids, diagrams, and real objects

• Sentence starters and writing frames

• Key vocabulary lists and glossaries

• Chunking instructions

• Modelling answers and thinking aloud

• Use of first language where appropriate (if allowed by school policy)