Learning Support Assistant

Bracknell Schools; Warfield; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitegrove Primary School in Bracknell, Berkshire, is seeking a Learning Support Assistant (Level 2) for The Nest, our specialist SEND provision. The role is part-time, term-time only, 12 hours across four afternoons, with a permanent contract and an hourly rate of £13.67–£14.31 (including fringe allowance).

You will work within a nurturing inclusion team to help pupils develop confidence, independence and wellbeing, under the supervision of a SENDCo and teaching staff.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, ideally within a school or SEND environment.
• Demonstrates patience and a compassionate approach to learning.
• Ability to work well in a team with teaching and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Support children with a range of needs, including communication, sensory, social and emotional needs.
• Deliver engaging, individualised activities to encourage progress and independence.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Assist with access to sensory, creative and practical learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENDCo and colleagues to ensure high-quality support.
• Support personal care needs where required while promoting dignity.

Skills

SEND experience

Team player

Patience

Empathy

Job description

• Employer: Whitegrove Primary School
• Salary: BG-J, £13.67-£14.31 per hour (including fringe allowance)
• Location: Whitegrove Primary School, Westmorland Drive, Warfield, Bracknell
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Part Time/Term Time
• Hours: 12 hours per week.
• DBS Check: Enhanced
• Closing Date: 01/11/2026 at 23:59
• Reference: Pri/26/347738

Learning Support Assistant (Level 2) - The Nest

Whitegrove Primary School | Bracknell, Berkshire

Are you passionate about making a real difference to children who need a little extra support to thrive?

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join our team in The Nest, our specialist SEND provision at Whitegrove Primary School.

The Nest provides a nurturing, supportive and inclusive environment where children with additional needs can develop their confidence, independence, communication and emotional wellbeing.

We're looking for someone who understands that every child is different, celebrates the small victories and is committed to helping children achieve their full potential.

About the role

• Hours: 12:30pm-3:30pm, four afternoons per week (12 hours)
• Working pattern: Term-time only
• Salary: BG-J, £13.67-£14.31 per hour (including fringe allowance)
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: The Nest, Whitegrove Primary School

Working as part of our supportive inclusion team, you will help provide a calm, engaging and nurturing environment where pupils with additional needs feel safe, valued and ready to learn.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting children with a range of special educational needs, including communication, sensory, social and emotional needs.
• Delivering engaging, individualised learning activities that encourage progress and independence.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, positive behaviour and developing social skills.
• Helping children access sensory, creative and practical learning opportunities.
• Working closely with teachers, the SENDCo and other colleagues to ensure consistent, high-quality support.
• Supporting personal care needs where required, while promoting dignity and independence.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs.
• Is patient, compassionate, adaptable and able to build positive relationships.
• Can remain calm, reassuring and supportive when children experience difficulties.
• Enjoys working as part of a team and brings enthusiasm, creativity and a positive attitude.
• Has experience working with children, ideally within a school or SEND environment.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and inclusive practice.

Previous experience supporting children with SEND would be an advantage, but equally important is finding someone with the right attitude, commitment and desire to make a difference.

Why join Whitegrove?

Whitegrove Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school where excellence and enjoyment are at the heart of everything we do.

We offer a friendly and supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development and the chance to be part of a dedicated team that genuinely cares about the children we support.

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children's lives, every single afternoon.

For further information or to arrange an informal visit to the school, please contact the school office on 01344 861020.

Whitegrove Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and relevant pre-employment checks.

Equal Opportunities

Bracknell Forest Council - Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to providing equality of opportunity to all. Our aim is to treat all employees and prospective employees with integrity, respect and consideration.

Safeguarding

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. This position requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check because it involves contact with (or access to data concerning) children.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

If you are successful in being shortlisted for this position, you will be required to complete a self-declaration form. To find out more about the application process for working with children, young people and adults at risk visit https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/jobs/policies-relating-job-applications/applications-work-those-risk

The Bracknell Forest Safeguarding Board (BFSB) oversees the safety and well-being of children in Bracknell Forest - https://bracknellforestsafeguarding.org.uk/

Disability

We are a Disability Symbol User and as such have made a commitment to guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria of the person specification.

We will make reasonable adjustments to help a person with a disability through the application & selection process and, if successful, to assist you in carrying out the duties of your job.

Pre-employment medical check

As a condition of the Offer of Employment, the successful applicant will be asked to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire form.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess whether you have any medical problems that may affect your ability to undertake the role. If necessary reasonable adjustments or modifications will be suggested to assist you in carrying out the duties of the job.

References

On your application form you will be asked to provide the names and addresses of two people who will provide a reference. At least one must be from your current employer, completed by a suitable person with appropriate authority. We take up references for all shortlisted candidates and wherever possible we like to apply for these prior to interview.

Employment

Any candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria.