Learning Support Assistant

Orbis Education & Care; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 26,339 - 30,732; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance

Wellbeing champions

Salary Finance Support

Blue Light Card

Refer a Friend bonus

Career development funding

Health Shield Plan

Enhanced maternity/paternity

Proud signatory of the JGHR Pledge

Free Lunch

Free Uniform

Job summary

Birchwood School in Cardiff is seeking dedicated Learning Support Assistants to join our specialist team supporting pupils with ASD and SEMH in a trauma-informed setting. We offer small class sizes and rewarding, hands-on roles.

You will work with teaching staff to plan, deliver and assess lessons, in 1:1 or small groups, building trusting relationships with pupils and their families. A DBS check is required and training is provided.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) are valued; opportunities to gain accredited qualifications.
• Experience with ASD, SEMH, or SEN welcomed but not essential – training provided.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Part-time candidates should hold a valid driving licence.
• Willingness to support a trauma-informed, nurturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, delivery and assessment of engaging, individualised lessons.
• Provide meaningful learning experiences tailored to 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, 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.

Skills

Resilient

Empathetic

Team player

Excellent communication

Calm under pressure

Willing to learn

Education

GCSEs or equivalent

Job description

Learning Support Assistant (ASD or SEMH)

Birchwood School is a specialist institution in Cardiff supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs that require a Trauma Informed approach. We are looking for dedicated Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join our team.

Salary: Full Time £20,021.63 - £23,049.00 (Term Time) | £26,339.56 - £30,732.00 (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.

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, 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 provide training.
• 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.
• Part‑time candidates should hold a valid driving licence to support off‑site activities.
• When applying, state whether you prefer the ASD or SEMH provision.

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 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.

Ready to start a new chapter? Join Birchwood School and help us build brighter futures for children with ASD and SEMH needs. Apply today!