Learning Support Assistant

Orbis Education And Care; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance

Wellbeing Champions

Salary Finance Support

Blue Light Card

Refer a Friend bonus

Funding for Level 2 & 3 qualifications

Health Shield Plan

Enhanced maternity/paternity

JGHR Pledge

Free Lunch

Free Uniform

Job summary

Birchwood School in Cardiff is seeking a dedicated Learning Support Assistant to support pupils with ASD or SEMH within small classes. You will assist teaching staff with planning, delivery and assessment, and provide 1:1 or small group support, helping pupils develop independence and emotional regulation.

This role suits resilient, empathetic individuals with GCSEs (or equivalent) and a passion for inclusive education.

Qualifications

• Experience with ASD, SEMH or SEN is welcomed but not essential.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) valued; opportunity to gain accredited qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
• Strong communication and teamwork, with ability to stay calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, delivery, and assessment of engaging, individualised lessons.
• Provide 1:1 or small group support tailored to ASD/SEMH needs.
• Foster positive relationships with pupils and families; support routines and off-site activities.
• Promote emotional regulation, independence and inclusion through therapeutic approaches.
• Contribute to a nurturing, safe, and consistent learning environment.

Skills

Team player

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Empathy

Enthusiasm

Education

GCSEs or equivalent

Openness to training in Teaching & Learning

Job description

Learning Support Assistant (ASD or SEMH) | Birchwood School | Cardiff | Full-Time | Permanent
Salary: Full Time £21,674.25 - £22,288.50 (Term Time) | £28,899 - £29,718 (Full Year Equivalent)
Would you love to work in a nurturing, therapeutic school where small class sizes mean you can make a real, lasting impact?
“This is the best school I have been to, the staff listen to me, help and support me with my lessons and we go on great offsite activities.” – One of our pupils at Birchwood School.
Birchwood School is seeking dedicated and passionate Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join our specialist team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people and be part of an exceptional, values-driven school environment.
Birchwood School is a specialist provision in Cardiff supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs that require a Trauma Informed approach. Based on your skills, experience, and qualifications, you can choose which specialism is more relevant to you. You are welcome to express a preference for the area you’re most passionate about when applying.
“Working in Birchwood isn’t just a job it’s a career, the leadership team hugely support staff's professional development whether that is completing a level 3 in Teaching and Learning or encouraging staff to enrol on their PGCE.” – Employee of Birchwood School.
With small class sizes, warm and supportive teams, and a strong therapeutic approach, Birchwood provides an inclusive setting where every pupil can thrive, and every staff member can grow.

Your Role as a Learning Support Assistant:

• Support teaching staff with planning, delivery, and assessment of engaging, individualised lessons.
• Provide meaningful learning experiences tailored to the needs of children with ASD or SEMH, in small group or 1:1 setting.
• Foster positive, trusting relationships with pupils, their families, and the wider staff team.
• Support daily routines, supporting with personal care (where needed), and facilitate off-site enrichment activities.
• Promote emotional regulation, independence, and inclusion through creative and therapeutic approaches.
• Actively contribute to a nurturing, safe, and consistent environment that helps every child succeed.

What We’re Looking For:

• Resilient, empathetic, and enthusiastic individuals with a genuine passion for working with children.
• Experience with ASD, SEMH, or SEN is welcomed but NOT essential – we’ll give you the tools and training to thrive.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) are valued, and we offer opportunities to gain accredited qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
• A team-player mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• When applying, you can let us know if you’re particularly interested in working within our ASD or SEMH provision.
• The part time vacancy would require a driving licence as you will be offsite mostly, supporting the students with their activities.

Please Note: This position involves working with children in a regulated activity and will require an Enhanced DBS Check, including a Barred List Check.

In Return, We Offer:

• Support at every step – Employee Assistance, Wellbeing Champions and Salary Finance Support.
• Blue Light Card – discounts on over 15,000 UK retailers and businesses.
• Refer a Friend bonus – earn up to £1,000!
• Build your career here – funded level 2 & 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in School qualifications.
• Health Shield Plan - after probation.
• Enhanced maternity/ paternity – after 12 months of continuous service.
• Proud signatory of the JGHR Pledge – paid time off for cancer screening and appointments.
• Free Lunch - provided on your shift
• Free Uniform included