Learning Support Assistant

Inspire Education Trust; Coventry; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing champions network

Staff development opportunities

Discounts via Benefits platform

Job summary

Inspire Education Trust seeks an experienced Learning Support Assistant to support inclusion for students with additional needs within a Coventry school. The role reports to the SENDCo and Assistant SENDCo, supporting learners across Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, Physical Disabilities and SEMH needs.

The postholder will contribute to safeguarding, work with small groups, and utilise MS Office to record and report progress, within a diverse and ambitious school community.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of inclusion / SEND.
• Understanding of needs of students aged 11-19.
• Ability to support students to reach their potential.
• Experience with young people in school, as parent, or volunteers.
• Administrative skills including using computer packages and MS Office.
• Ability to analyse and report on data.
• Calm, patient and sensitive under pressure.
• Excellent communication with small groups in teaching/intervention.

Responsibilities

• Support students across four areas of need (Cognition & Learning; Communication & Interaction; Physical Disabilities; Social, Emotional & Mental Health).
• Assist SENDCo and Assist SENDCo with inclusion and safeguarding duties.
• Provide support in classroom and intervention settings.
• Maintain timely data recording and reporting as required.

Skills

SEND knowledge

Inclusion

Communication

Data reporting

MS Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Learning Support Assistant to assist in the support and inclusion of children with special educational needs and disabilities or other barriers to learning, under the leadership of the SENDCo and Assistant SENDCo. The postholder will play a key role in supporting students across the four areas of need namely, Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, Physical Disabilities and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.

• Knowledge of inclusion / SEND
• A good understanding of the needs and characteristics of students across the age range 11-19
• A passion to support students to reach their full potential
• Recent experience of working with young people either in a school setting, as a parent, or involvement in voluntary work such as a youth group, cubs, brownie or similar organisation
• Administrative skills including experience of using a range of computer packages, navigating software and operating Microsoft Office
• The skills to analyse and report on data
• The ability to work in a challenging environment and work under pressure and handle situations with patience and sensitivity
• Excellent communication skills including the confidence to work with small groups of students in a teaching or intervention environment

All staff are expected to know what to do if they have concerns about a child, take on the responsibility for providing a safe environment and promoting children’s welfare, undertake regular safeguarding and child protection training and, familiarise themselves with KCSIE part 1 and local policies and procedures as directed by the trust/academy.

Blue Coat is a successful and oversubscribed school in the heart of the city of Coventry. As a Christian school our intake draws from both the local area and across the city and surrounding areas. Consequently, we have a diverse intake and a culturally thriving school. The school was graded 'Outstanding' in its SIAMS inspection and 'Good' by Ofsted in May 2023 and continues to perform exceptionally well academically. In 2023 our Attainment 8 at GCSE was 52.3 and our Progress 8 score was +0.42 both of which are above national average. The vast majority of our students stay on into the sixth form and continue their studies. We have a large and successful Post 16 provision with 350 pupils on average studying either A levels or Vocational Level 3 courses. We have excellent rates of progression to universities, apprenticeships and employment. We were inspected by Ofsted in May 2023, and were judged a Good School, with Outstanding for Personal Development, The Sixth Form and Leadership and Management. Ofsted shared in their report: Leaders and teachers share a moral purpose. There is a cohesive and vibrant school community. Leaders have built an inclusive community. Staff are very proud to work at the school. Staff feel very well supported by leaders and greatly value the training they receive to continually improve their work.

Why work for us?

A career at Inspire Education Trust offers a rewarding future, with the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives and outcomes of our young people. We work hard to provide an environment which places staff wellbeing at the forefront of the agenda, as well as providing ample opportunities for personal and professional development. As such, we offer a portfolio of benefits designed to enhance and support the working lives of our staff. These include, but are not limited to:

• A highly supportive and committed senior leadership team
• Employee Assistance Programme which offers 24/7 confidential advice and support on a range of matters and free access to accredited counsellors
• A focus on staff wellbeing including a network of wellbeing champions and a supportive working environment
• Opportunity to join a committed and forward-thinking team of staff
• Employee Benefits platform providing staff access to a range of benefits such as shopping discounts