ESOL - Learning Support Assistant In North London Secondary School

Principal Education; Tottenham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in the United Kingdom seeks a dedicated individual to support EAL/ESOL students in developing their English language skills and helping them integrate into the school curriculum. The role involves in-class support, small group interventions, and collaboration with teachers. Key skills include patient communication, a strong understanding of EAL strategies, and cultural empathy. This position is crucial for fostering a supportive environment for English learners and promoting their social integration.

Qualifications

• Strong English language skills are essential.
• Cultural awareness and empathy towards diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of EAL/ESOL strategies like scaffolding and visuals.

Responsibilities

• Support students during mainstream lessons to clarify instructions.
• Help students develop academic and social English skills.
• Work with small groups or individuals for targeted support.
• Ensure students feel safe and included in school.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff on student progress.
• Support students in understanding assessment tasks.

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
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
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
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
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
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)