Learning Support Assistant (Gildredge House)

East Sussex County Council; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

TPS Pension Scheme

On-site parking

Staff induction programme

Job summary

East Sussex County Council seeks a Learning Support Assistant for Gildredge House in Eastbourne. The role supports Year 3 pupils mornings and EYFS afternoons, focusing on language and social skills development within a caring, inclusive classroom.

Ideally experienced with SLCN and flexible to work across two age phases, you will use various communication approaches (visual supports, PECS, Makaton) and collaborate with teachers to foster independence and confidence in learners.

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and/or social communication difficulties within a classroom setting
• Ability to use or willingness to learn a range of communication strategies (e.g. visual supports, PECS, Makaton, communication aids) to support understanding and expression
• Experience of delivering or supporting targeted interventions (e.g. Speech Link, Language Link, or similar communication programmes)

Responsibilities

• Support students in Year 3 in the mornings and contribute to EYFS classrooms in the afternoons
• Build positive relationships and provide targeted support to help students access learning
• Contribute to a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment
• Promote confidence, communication and independence across both age phases
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to implement learning strategies

Skills

Experience with SLCN & social comms

Communication strategies (PECS/Makaton

Job description

Job Description

Hours of work: 35 Hours

Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only etc.

(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Fixed term: Until 31 August 2027

Closing date: Friday 30 October 2026

Location: Gildredge House, Compton Place Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 8AB

We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and adaptable Learning Support Assistant to support students in Year 3 who are developing their language and social skills in the mornings, whilst also playing an important role within our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) classrooms in the afternoons. This varied position is currently split across the school day, requiring someone who can build positive relationships, provide targeted support to help students access learning, and contribute to a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment. The successful candidate will be patient, creative and committed to helping every child thrive, working closely with teachers and support staff to promote confidence, communication and independence across both age phases.

Responsibilities

• Do you want to make a meaningful difference for a pupil with high communication and interaction needs, where your contribution is recognised and valued?
• Would you enjoy supporting a child with complex communication needs to access learning and achieve their full potential?
• Do you have experience of working with pupils who require tailored communication approaches within the classroom?
• Are you skilled in using or willing to develop alternative and augmentative communication strategies (e.g. visual supports, PECS, or communication aids)?
• Do you have a patient, nurturing approach and a commitment to building strong, trusting relationships to support engagement and independence

Experience of supporting students with additional needs and/or working within EYFS would be advantageous, although training and support will be provided for the right candidate.

Desired experience and skills

• Experience of supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and/or social communication difficulties within a classroom setting
• Ability to use or willingness to learn a range of communication strategies (e.g. visual supports, PECS, Makaton, communication aids) to support understanding and expression
• Experience of delivering or supporting targeted interventions (e.g. Speech Link, Language Link, or similar communication programmes)
• Understanding of how to adapt the learning environment and interactions to meet individual communication and interaction needs
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development, including training from Speech and Language Therapy and specialist communication support teams

As a Learning Support Assistant at Gildredge House you will be expected to have the flexibility and skills to work within the team, providing appropriate support to the children and teaching staff in delivering the curriculum.

At Gildredge House each individual is known and valued. Students are inspired to discover their passions and realise their academic potential. You will join a strong team of inspirational Teachers and Teaching Assistants in an exciting environment where learning is fun. If you are an imaginative and dynamic practitioner - with the capability of engaging and enthusing all students and the belief that everyone can succeed - we want to hear from you.

Gildredge House offers

• continuity of education for students aged 4+
• an expectation of high academic standards and ready to learn behaviours
• excellent pastoral care
• a range of extra-curricular activities
• parent and community involvement
• a positive team ethos

Employee benefits

• A two-week break in the Autumn Term, allowing for holidays to be taken out of peak season.
• A supportive induction programme for new staff to the school
• Investment in your career development through appropriate, regular CPD
• Support and mentoring by a strong Senior Leadership Team and other experienced leaders
• Access to a full employee assistance programme, in support of wellbeing
• TPS Pension Scheme
• Complimentary tea and coffee in our staffroom
• On-site parking

Gildredge House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All offers of employment with the school are subject to pre-employment checks which will include 3 References, Health, Right to Work in UK, a satisfactory Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List check and a Declaration of Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006.