Learning Support Assistant

eTeach UK Limited; Shaftesbury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive educational institution in Shaftesbury seeks a dedicated Learning Support Assistant passionate about enhancing pupil progress and supporting children with additional needs. The role involves working closely with teachers and various support teams to create a nurturing learning environment. Ideal candidates should have experience in similar roles, a passion for supporting vulnerable young people, and the skills to manage behavior and emotional self-regulation. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities are provided.

Benefits

Access to leisure facilities

Competitive salary

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Continuous professional development

Health Care Plan

Death in Service benefit

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with additional needs.
• Ability to create a positive learning environment.
• Capability to offer therapeutic support.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers to create a positive learning environment.
• Engage pupils in on and off-site activities.
• Support pupils in managing their behaviour.

Skills

Passion for supporting children with SEMH needs

Experience as a SEND Teaching Assistant or Youth Worker

Patience and empathy

Enthusiasm for helping vulnerable young people

Job description

Your Role

Join our supportive and dynamic team as a Learning Support Assistant. Do you want to work in an environment where the focus is on educating the whole child? Are you passionate about supporting and empowering some of the most inspiring and unique young people in Dorset? Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs? We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Learning Support Assistant to work closely with the class teacher to enhance pupil progress, whilst also promoting their independence, self‑esteem and social inclusion. You will also collaborate with our Pastoral Support team, Therapeutic Thinking Lead and Therapy team to create a nurturing learning environment.

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have a passion for supporting children with SEMH (social, emotional, and mental health) needs and neurodiversity such as autism.
• Have experience as a SEND Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Youth Worker, supporting children with additional needs.
• Are currently working in a mainstream Secondary setting and eager to take the next step into Special Education.
• Are patient, empathetic, and enthusiastic about helping young people who are vulnerable and/or who have a special educational needs.

More About the School

Coombe House School is an independent special school that provides education for pupils aged 5 to 19 with SEMH and ASD and associated difficulties, which represents the largest group of children and young people supported by an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) in Dorset and nationally. All pupils on roll have an EHCP. The school uses a therapeutic approach to support pupils with their individual difficulties. Everything the school does is based on the formation and maintenance of positive relationships and viewing all behaviour as communication.

We are seeking candidates who thrive on working in a challenging but immensely rewarding environment, who are passionate about supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and who truly want to make a difference in the lives of pupils. Our Learning Support Assistants are kind, patient, calm and compassionate who work on building trusting relationships with our pupils.

More About the Role

• Assist teachers and other staff to create a positive learning environment.
• Capacity to offer therapeutic support to pupils.
• Engage pupils in activities and learning planned by the teacher - both on and off site.
• Support pupils in managing their behaviour and learning.
• Equip pupils with essential coping skills.
• Support pupils to improve their behaviour through a positive behaviour approach.
• Teach pupils emotional self‑regulation skills and social interaction and communication skills under the guidance of the class teacher.

Please review the job description and person specification for further information about the role. If you would like to work at a very special, caring, and nurturing school, please complete the application process.

Salary

Excellent salary range from £25,989 – £26,824 FTE per annum (Actual term time only for this position is £22,878 to £23,613 per annum).

Working Hours

Full Time (35 hours)

• 08:30 – 16:00 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
• 08:30 – 16:30 on a Wednesday
• 08:30 – 15:30 on a Friday

The school is accessed via a private road and enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds. The accommodation extends to over 160,000 sq ft, set within grounds of 55 acres.

What Coombe House School can offer you

• A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
• Competitive salary.
• Access to an employee assistance programme.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme (10% employers' contribution).
• Continuous professional development and training.
• Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool) at specified times.
• Death in Service (3 x salary).
• Health Care Plan after probation period – claim back costs towards dental check‑ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
• Highly supportive leadership team and working alongside a multi‑disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
• The opportunity to play an integral part at the infancy of this exciting and unique journey.

We will commence interviews prior to the closing date, so please don’t delay in making an application.

Deadline for Applications

Monday 5 January 2026.