Learning Support Assistant

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Supportive school community

Job summary

The Blue Coat School, part of the South Farnham Educational Trust, is seeking an enthusiastic supporter to work within the SEND Faculty. You will build positive relationships with students, families and staff, using coaching methods to identify effective strategies for progress and wellbeing.

The role offers opportunities for ongoing professional development within a collaborative school environment. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are welcome; safeguarding checks including DBS are required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people, supporting others, coaching or mentoring.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Using a coaching-based approach to build positive relationships with students, families and staff.
• Identify effective strategies and interventions to support student progress and wellbeing.
• Provide targeted support, including daily check-ins and one-to-one interventions, and adapt activities to help students become confident learners.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Empathy

Patience

Job description

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, positive and committed to supporting young people. The successful candidate will be resilient, adaptable and proactive, with the ability to build strong relationships and inspire confidence. You will maintain high expectations whilst demonstrating empathy, patience and calmness, and be committed to understanding and supporting the individual needs of every student.

This role would suit someone from a wide range of professional backgrounds, particularly those with experience of working with young people, supporting others, coaching, mentoring, customer‑facing roles, health and social care, or education. It also offers an excellent opportunity for anyone considering a future career in education and looking to gain valuable experience within a highly supportive school environment. The school actively encourages applications from candidates with diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds.

We are seeking someone who:

• Is passionate about supporting young people to succeed.
• Builds positive and professional relationships with students, families and colleagues.
• Maintains high expectations whilst demonstrating empathy, patience and understanding.
• Is resilient, adaptable and proactive in their approach.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Works effectively as part of a team and contributes positively to school life.
• Is committed to ongoing professional development.
• Shares our belief that every student can succeed with the right support and encouragement.

Using a coaching‑based approach, you will build positive and supportive relationships with allocated students, enabling them to thrive in school. You will work closely with staff, families and students to identify the most effective strategies and interventions to support progress and wellbeing. This may include daily check‑ins, targeted one‑to‑one interventions, adapting activities, supporting classroom strategies and helping students develop the skills and confidence to become successful learners.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly supportive school community and make a genuine difference to the lives of young people every day.

About The Blue Coat School

The Blue Coat School is a successful and ambitious secondary school with a strong commitment to inclusion, high achievement and student wellbeing. We are proud of our supportive culture, high expectations and focus on ensuring every student can thrive and achieve their full potential.

As part of the South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET), we benefit from a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. Staff have access to high‑quality professional development, specialist networks and opportunities to learn from colleagues across the Trust. We are committed to investing in our people and supporting all staff to develop and progress within their careers.

About the Department

The SEND Faculty places the needs of students at the heart of everything we do. We work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, families and external agencies to provide personalised support that enables students to overcome barriers to learning and achieve success both academically and personally.

You will join a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to inclusive practice and outstanding student outcomes. Working alongside experienced SEND specialists, Learning Support Assistants play a key role in delivering targeted interventions, supporting personalised plans and promoting positive outcomes for students across the school.

We are committed to investing in our staff and offer ongoing training, specialist SEND development opportunities and the chance to develop your skills within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Candidates

We welcome applications from a range of staff from more experienced teachers to those newer to the profession; we can somewhat shape the position for the correct person and will look positively on all applicants. The school actively encourages applicants from a range of backgrounds and is proud of the diversity of the staff.

The Blue Coat School is committed to safeguarding young people and we ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All appointments are subject to full safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Any candidates selected for interview will be subject to an online search as part of our due diligence checks. The school reserves the right to close the position early on receipt of a strong application, so if you are interested we would urge you to apply sooner rather than later.

For further information or enquiries, please use the above email address or contact us on 01256 322691.