Learning Support Assistant

Darrick Wood School; Chelsfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Darrick Wood School is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to support pupils with special educational needs in KS3 and KS4, with some Sixth Form involvement. The role has no teaching requirement, but you will work in the classroom under the direction of the class teacher to help pupils access learning.

The successful candidate will join a dedicated team and respond to identified or targeted needs across communication, cognition, medical/sensory/physical, and social/emotional domains,

Qualifications

• Role supports pupils with special educational needs in KS3/KS4 and Sixth Form.
• LSA works in the classroom under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Experience with categories of need including communication, cognition, medical/sensory/physical, and social/emotional needs.

Responsibilities

• Respond to identified or targeted SEN needs (K or PRA/EHCP funded).
• Support pupil(s) in lessons and activities in the classroom.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and join a dedicated LSA team at Darrick Wood School.

Job description

A Learning Support Assistant (LSA) is someone who supports a pupil with special education needs. An LSA has no teaching requirement. They have a duty to work with the pupil(s) in the classroom and to be directed and support the classroom teacher. Some LSAs have HCA qualifications and act as carers and their roles reflect this in their duties. Our main requirement is to work with KS3 and KS4 pupils, but we have many SEN pupils studying in the Sixth Form. At Darrick Wood School, the LSA is part of a dedicated team. Your role will be to respond to those needs, which are designated as identified or targeted special educational needs (coded as K or PRA/EHCP [funded]). These needs fall under these categories: -

• Communication and interaction
• Cognition and Learning
• Medical, sensory and/or physical needs
• Social, emotional, mental health needs
• Some of the sub-categories of need are:
• Behavioural, emotional literacy and social skills difficulties
• Complex speech, language and communication needs
• Learning and language difficulties particular to those with a hearing impairment
• Literacy / Numeracy enhancement requirements
• Physical impairment
• Specific learning difficulties
• Vision impairment

Further information on the attached pack

We particularly welcome applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds. We recognise the vital contribution that members of a diverse team make to our pupils learning. The range of cultural experiences, differing viewpoints, and role models this brings is essential in our Trust and we recognise the gap that would be left in our offering without these.