Learning Support Assistant (Juniors and Infants)

Hatchside School; Ilford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Hatchside School in Ilford is recruiting a Learning Support Assistant to support pupils with significant learning disabilities, helping them access education, develop independence and feel safe and valued. You will work with teaching staff to deliver care and learning programmes in and beyond the classroom, at our Goodmayes infants site or Newbury Park juniors site.

This hands-on, heart-led role requires empathy, patience and a commitment to safeguarding, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or equivalent.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Experience or understanding of working with children with physical, sensory, and learning difficulties.
• Ability to lift, move, and support pupils safely.
• Calm, patient, and positive attitude—with a great sense of humour!
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils’ personal care, feeding, and medical needs.
• Assisting with learning activities, communication strategies (e.g. Makaton), and behaviour plans.
• Encouraging social interaction and independence.
• Helping with classroom preparation, displays, and record-keeping.
• Supporting physical activities like swimming, horse riding, and PE.
• Accompanying pupils on trips and helping with Trust-wide events.
• Providing clerical support and liaising with parents/carers.

Skills

Good literacy and numeracy skills

Experience with children with physical

Calm, patient, and humorous attitude

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or equivalent

Job description

*We are recruiting for both our Infants site at Goodmayes, and our Juniors site at Newbury Park. Please state which site you prefer in your application.*

As a Learning Support Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in supporting pupils with significant learning disabilities—helping them access education, develop independence, and feel safe and valued. You’ll work closely with teaching staff to deliver care and learning programmes both in and beyond the classroom.

This is a hands-on, heart-led role where every day brings new opportunities to make a real impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting pupils’ personal care, feeding, and medical needs
• Assisting with learning activities, communication strategies (e.g. Makaton), and behaviour plans
• Encouraging social interaction and independence
• Helping with classroom preparation, displays, and record-keeping
• Supporting physical activities like swimming, horse riding, and PE
• Accompanying pupils on trips and helping with Trust-wide events
• Providing clerical support and liaising with parents/carers

What We’re Looking For

• NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or equivalent
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Experience or understanding of working with children with physical, sensory, and learning difficulties
• Ability to lift, move, and support pupils safely
• Calm, patient, and positive attitude—with a great sense of humour!
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and continuous learning

For more information about Hatchside School, please visit www.astrum-mat.org and follow the link to the Hatchside School website https://www.hatchside-school.org/

Why join us?

• Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme
• Generous Pension Schemes
• Family-friendly working policies
• Extensive support and development opportunities
• Refer a friend scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Free tea and coffee
• Great location close to TfL Elizabeth and Central Lines
• And more…

Astrum values diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We celebrate and embrace unique individuality, background and heritage.

We are a ‘Disability Confident Employer’ and all our application forms hide your personal information so we can focus solely on your experience, skills and qualities.

We believe in fostering a work environment that supports work-life balance. We are open to flexible working arrangements, including remote work, flexible hours, and part-time opportunities.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date.