Learning Support Assistant

Newcastle City Council; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Newcastle City Council is seeking a Specialist Support Assistant to join a dedicated team focused on supporting children with visual impairments. This role involves working in a multi-agency environment, providing essential support to children and their families, and requires a commitment to inclusive education. The successful candidate will have relevant qualifications and experience, alongside strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people with SEND in a mainstream setting.
• Commitment to inclusive education and teamwork.
• Willingness to undertake specialist training.

Responsibilities

• Support the achievements of children and young people with visual impairment.
• Work collaboratively with parents, colleagues, and professionals.
• Participate in training related to visual impairment support.

Skills

Communication

Organisational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Adaptability

Education

Level 2 award/certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Job description

Required for September 2025, Newcastle Sensory Service is seeking to appoint a Specialist Support Assistant to join an enthusiastic team supporting the achievements of children and young people with a visual impairment, their families, early years settings, and schools across the city.

Although the successful candidate will be appointed to a city-wide Service, the role will initially be based in one of the Visual Impairment Additionally Resourced Provision (VIARP). The VIARPs are well-established and successful provisions and are an integral part of the host schools.

The successful candidate will have:

1. Hold a minimum Level 2 award/certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (Teaching Assistant) or equivalent.
2. Recent experience working with children and young people with SEND, ideally in a mainstream setting.
3. The ability to work with parents, colleagues, and relevant professionals.
4. An understanding of and commitment to inclusive education and the ability to work effectively as part of a multi-agency team.
5. Willingness to undertake relevant specialist training provided by SEND Sensory Service, including ‘Supporting Children with Visual Impairment’, Braille, and Creating Modified Resources.
6. An enthusiastic, well-motivated, and adaptable personality with good organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

This interesting role offers a rewarding opportunity to develop your specialist skills within a successful citywide team.

Additional Information

We are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This position involves working in regulated activity. Successful applicants will undergo additional recruitment checks, including criminal convictions, police checks, and barred list checks. It is a criminal offence for barred individuals to apply for jobs in regulated activities.

Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details. Applicants must demonstrate in their application how they meet the person specification. References will be requested prior to interview.

For further information, contact the Lead Specialist Teacher (VI), [e-mail].

Apply online at www.northeastjobs.org.uk. Select 'Apply Now' and complete the online application form. Communications regarding your application will be sent to your registered email, so please check your inbox regularly.

Closing date: Sunday 8th June 2025
Shortlisting date: Monday 9th June 2025
Interviews: week beginning 16th June