Learning Support Assistant

SWALCLIFFE PARK SCHOOL; Cherwell District; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Holiday 13 weeks

NEST Pension Scheme

Free lunchtime meal

Job summary

Swalcliffe Park School in England is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to help secondary boys (10-19) on the autism spectrum access classroom, community and off-site learning, while contributing to progress, safeguarding and wellbeing.

You will work with teachers, therapists and residential colleagues, support targets, collect progress data, drive school transport when required and participate in mentoring and training.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above.
• Experience with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Experience in education or youth/community setting.

Responsibilities

• Support learning in classroom and groups to improve independence and inclusion.
• Assist with homework, revision and exam access arrangements.
• Observe behaviour to inform targets and support plans.
• Support teacher, therapist and literacy interventions and record progress.
• Assist with community/off-site learning and transport if required.
• Act as key worker and liaise with families; ensure safeguarding and safety.
• Collaborate with staff for multi-disciplinary approaches and school events.
• Support mentoring, appraisal and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Effective communication

Teamwork

Safeguarding knowledge

IT proficiency

Full UK driving licence

Education

GCSE English Language and Mathematics (Grade 4/C or above)

Tools

Word

Excel

Email

Job description

Swalcliffe Park School provides specialist residential education and care for around 70-75 secondary aged boys (10-19 yrs) all of whom are on the Autism Spectrum. We offer excellent working conditions in a beautiful environment, including paid school holidays, opportunities for career development and staff training. Working within a Key Stage team, the Learning Support Assistant helps individuals and groups access classroom, community and off‑site learning while contributing to progress, safeguarding and wellbeing. The Learning Support Assistant works closely with teachers, therapists, senior leaders and residential colleagues, with opportunities to build skills through training and development. Across school life, the Learning Support Assistant also supports families, reporting, key‑working and the smooth running of education provision.

Your duties as the Learning Support Assistant include:

• Student Learning Support: Work effectively with individuals and groups in the classroom, supporting learning, independence and social inclusion
• Homework, Revision and Exams: Support homework, assignments, revision and exam access arrangements
• Observation and Target Setting: Observe behaviour and learning styles to inform targets and student support
• Interventions and Data: Support teacher, therapist and literacy interventions, collect progress data and maintain records on school systems
• Community and Off‑Site Access: Support learning in the community and off‑site programmes, including driving school transport where required
• Key Worker Support: Act as key worker for nominated students and support communication with families
• Safeguarding and Safety: Follow safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, risk assessment and safe‑working procedures
• Multi-Disciplinary Working: Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, residential colleagues and other professionals
• School Operations: Supervise break and lunchtime, support whole‑school events and provide cover for absent colleagues
• Professional Development: Take part in mentoring, appraisal and training, maintaining knowledge relevant to autism support
  GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
• Experience of working with young people in an educational or youth/community setting
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with a student‑centred approach
• Awareness of safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional boundaries
• IT proficiency, including Word, Excel and email
• Full UK driving licence, with eligibility and willingness to drive school vehicles (subject to insurance)

Desirable

• Experience of working with children, young people and/or adults with autism and associated language or communication difficulties
• Experience supporting pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans
• Experience applying safeguarding policies and procedures
• Knowledge of EHC plans, person‑centred support, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, equality and diversity
  Join Swalcliffe Park School's supportive specialist education team helping secondary‑age students learn, build independence and access opportunities in school and the community. You'll need experience in education or youth/community work and strong teamwork skills.

If you've also worked in the following roles, we'd also like to hear from you: Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Learning Mentor, Student Support Officer, Pastoral Support Officer, Pastoral Support Worker, SEN Support Assistant SALARY: £26,016 to £26,847 per annum Actual (NJC Scp 4-6) BENEFITS: Generous Holiday (13 weeks' paid holiday to be taken in school holidays), NEST Pension Scheme, Sickness entitlement 2 weeks full pay 2 weeks half pay and free lunchtime meal