Learning Assistant Level 3 + SEN

St Helens Council; St Helens; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Rectory Primary School is seeking a Learning Assistant Level 3+ SEN to join our Orchard Specialist Provision. You will work with a friendly team to support pupils with autism, develop their speech and language skills, and contribute to EHCP-led learning journeys.

We offer training in specialist interventions and ongoing professional development, with opportunities to work across four specialist classrooms and alongside therapists and teachers in a warm, inclusive setting.

Qualifications

• Experience or enthusiasm to develop expertise in specialist interventions; full training provided.
• Passionate about supporting children with autism.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Support children with autism to develop speech, language, and communication skills.
• Deliver planned interventions and support EHCP outcomes.
• Provide class cover when required under teacher direction.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families, and other professionals.

Skills

Autism support

Speech & language support

EHCP knowledge

Team player

Flexible

Tools

Attention Autism

Makaton

Communication boards

Intensive Interaction

Job description

Inspire. Educate. Empower.

As part of our exciting expansion Rectory CE Primary School is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Learning Assistant Level 3 + SEN to join our Orchard Specialist Provision with a friendly and committed team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive environment where professional development is encouraged, and every child is valued.

Opened in September 2025, The Orchard is a satellite of our successful Rectory Specialist Provision for children with autism. It will provide a warm, structured, and supportive setting for 32 pupils across four specialist classrooms. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to something special from the very beginning.

This role includes additional hours to support school transport from 7.30am.

We are looking for someone who:

• Passionate about supporting children with autism, particularly in developing speech, language, and communication skills.
• Experienced or enthusiastic to develop expertise in specialist interventions—full training will be provided (e.g. Attention Autism, Makaton, Communication boards, Intensive Interaction).
• Confident in delivering planned interventions and supporting individual learning needs in line with EHCP outcomes.
• Flexible and capable of providing class cover when required, under the direction of the teacher or senior leaders.
• A strong communicator and team player, working effectively with teachers, therapists, families, and other professionals.
• Positive, proactive, and dedicated to improving outcomes for every child.

Working at Rectory Primary School

Joining our school means becoming part of a vibrant, supportive community where every day brings new opportunities to inspire and be inspired. Here, you’re not just a teacher or staff member — you’re a vital part of a team dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child.

What We Can Offer

At The Orchard and Rectory, we provide a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring community - An opportunity to play a key role in the development of a brand-new provision.

• A supportive, experienced team committed to autism education and inclusive practice.
• A curriculum based on the EQUALS framework, supporting personalised and EHCP-led learning journeys.
• Ongoing professional development, including training in communication approaches and autism-specific interventions.
• Collaborative working across our wider school team, offering a rich and inclusive experience for all pupils.
• A rewarding role full of meaningful connections, growth, and joy.

At Rectory, ‘God is our Strength’ and is at the heart of how we live. We are a caring and nurturing school community, where everyone can feel safe and happy, have somewhere they are proud to belong to and strive for the best for themselves and each other.

Our staff enjoy:

• A collaborative and friendly environment where ideas are valued and shared
• The rewarding experience of seeing students grow, succeed, and develop confidence
• Opportunities for continuous professional growth and leadership development
• The chance to make a real difference, shaping the future of our students
• A culture that balances high expectations with genuine care and respect

At Rectory Primary School, we believe that happy, motivated staff create the best learning experience. That’s why we prioritize wellbeing, celebrate achievements, and foster a strong sense of belonging.

Come join us and help shape something exceptional — where your passion for education meets a community that truly cares, and where every child is understood, celebrated and supported to thrive.

Rectory Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

For more information regarding this role, please contact [e-mail]

Closing Date: Thursday 5th November 2026

Shortlisting: Friday 6th November 2026

Interviews / Observations: Week commencing 9th November2026

This is an Enhanced Disclosure post.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection.