Learning Support Assistant

Shorefields; Canvey Island; Remote; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Canvey Island invites applications for a Learning Support Assistant to join our early years and primary provision, including our SEND Hub. You will work under EYFS Leads and class teachers to support learning, wellbeing and inclusion in a Catholic school setting.

The role is part-time, 37 hours per week, with a 44-week salary, and a commitment to safeguarding, professional development and building strong relationships with children and families.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in an Early Years or primary setting.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development.
• Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Support high-quality learning experiences aligned with the EYFS/Primary curriculum.
• Support individuals and small groups to reinforce teaching, extend learning and promote independence.
• Maintain safeguarding procedures and report concerns immediately.
• Collaborate with teachers and EYFS colleagues to plan and reflect.
• Support children's personal, social and emotional development and inclusion.

Skills

Early years experience

Communication skills

Safeguarding

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC3411-73S Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: £21,954.52

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 04/11/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: w/c 9th November 2026

Salary: NJC Point 4 (£21,954.52) - paid 44 weeks per year

Hours: 37 hours per week

Hours of work: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Learning Support Assistant to join our vibrant school which includes our Early Years team of Reception and Nursery; our SEND Hub provision and our KS1 and KS2 classes.

This is an exciting opportunity for a practitioner who is passionate about early childhood education and ready to take the next step in their career.

The successful candidate will be part of high-quality provision across our school. This may include Reception, Nursery and Special Educational Needs Hub provision; but may also include years 1 - 6, ensuring a stimulating environment where every child can thrive.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong knowledge and hands‑on experience of working with children in an Early Years or primary school environment
• Is committed to ongoing professional development
• Has high expectations for children's learning, behaviour, and inclusion
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality, and maintaining confidentiality
• Supports and promotes the Catholic ethos and values of our school (applications from non‑Catholics who support our ethos are warmly welcomed)

Although not essential, a Level 3 Early Years qualification is desirable

We can offer you:

• Wonderful children who are eager to learn
• A dedicated, supportive and motivated staff team
• Opportunities for professional development
• The chance to be part of a wider network of schools within the Assisi Catholic Trust

Visits to the School

We warmly encourage prospective candidates to visit us. Please contact the school office on 01268 683903 or email [e-mail] (FAO Mr James Green, Headteacher) to arrange a visit.

We are a Catholic school, but applications are equally welcome from non‑Catholic candidates who support our ethos.

Safeguarding Statement

Assisi Catholic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check. References will be sought and an online search will be carried out as part of our safer recruitment procedures.

Closing Date:

4th November 2026 (We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date.)

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Job Description

The Learning Support Assistant supports high-quality teaching and learning across the school including Early Years Foundation Stage, (Nursery, Reception and the SEND Hub) and KS1/2. The role ensures that all children experience a warm, nurturing, stimulating environment rooted in the Catholic ethos of St Joseph's, where every child is valued and able to thrive.

The postholder works under the direction of the EYFS Lead and/or class teachers, supporting children's learning, wellbeing, safety and inclusion.

1. Supporting Teaching & Learning

• Support high-quality learning experiences aligned with the EYFS/Primary curriculum.
• Work with individuals and small groups to reinforce teaching, extend learning and promote independence.
• Use high-quality interactions, modelling and open-ended questioning.
• Support children's engagement in continuous provision indoors and outdoors.
• Prepare, organise and maintain resources to support learning.
• Contribute to observations and assessments under teacher direction.
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Promote the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
• Support children's personal, social and emotional development.
• Help children develop communication, language and early literacy skills.
• Encourage independence in self-care, routines and transitions.

3. Inclusion, SEND & Pastoral Support

• Work closely with the SENDCo to implement strategies for children with SEND.
• Support One Plans, EHCP targets and Early Help processes.
• Make reasonable adjustments to activities and environments.
• Provide calm, consistent support for children with SEMH needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.

4. Safeguarding, Welfare & Health and Safety

• Follow all safeguarding procedures and report concerns immediately.
• Support safe supervision of children including outdoor learning.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety and risk assessment.
• Record accidents and incidents following school policy.
• Support children with medical needs in line with training and care plans.

5. Communication & Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with teachers, EYFS colleagues and wider school staff.
• Communicate professionally with parents and carers.
• Contribute to team meetings, planning discussions and reflective practice.
• Uphold the Catholic ethos and values of the school.

6. Professional Development

• Engage in ongoing CPD and Trust-wide development.
• Reflect on practice and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of EYFS reforms, Ofsted expectations and best practice.

Person Specification

• Knowledge of child development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team with professionalism and warmth.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and confidentiality.
• Ability to follow teacher direction and use initiative appropriately.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage routines.
• Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to train).
• Experience in an Early Years Setting.
• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• Knowledge of Tapestry or similar assessment platforms.

Information about the School

St Joseph's aims to create and sustain an environment in which all people involved - children, staff and parents - may grow in their faith and in their love of God developing respect for themselves and an awareness of the needs and gifts of others.

We wish all children in our care to be happy and independent in a positive and encouraging atmosphere developing their own potential.

The school also undertakes to help and support the parents who are the first and most important educators of their children.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is a member of the Assisi Catholic Trust of schools. The aim of the Trust is to provide the children in its care with the best possible education within a caring and supportive Catholic ethos.

We will support the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and physical development of each child, as well as maximising progress, achievement and attainment to ensure their intellectual growth and to fulfil their potential.

Our Schools are:

• Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Benfleet
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Leigh-on-Sea
• Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Primary School, Rayleigh
• Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Southend-on-sea
• St Helen’s Catholic Primary School, Westcliff-on-sea
• St George’s Catholic Primary School, Shoeburyness
• St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Canvey Island
• St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Rochford
• St Thomas More High School, Westcliff-on-sea

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.