Learning Support Assistant (Percy Hedley School)

Percy Hedley Foundation; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Contributory Pension Scheme

Induction and ongoing training

Employee Assistance Programme

Rewards scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Sociable working hours

School holidays off

Job summary

A special education institution in Newcastle upon Tyne seeks a Learning Support Assistant to support children with additional needs. The role involves providing personalized educational support, collaborating with teachers, and maximizing student independence and participation in learning. Full-time hours are provided during term time, with benefits including wellbeing support and ongoing training. The position is pivotal in fostering the learning and future prospects of every pupil.

Qualifications

• Must support children's care and learning as directed.
• Experience with children or adults with PMLD is advantageous.
• Must communicate effectively and help in curriculum planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one or two-to-one support for students.
• Implement aspects of children's curriculum creatively.
• Support students in the community and on visits.
• Maximise learning in life skills and participation.
• Collaborate with teachers and therapists.

Skills

Good communication skills

Organisation skills

Behaviour management

Knowledge of British Sign Language

Experience with PMLD

Job description

Who We Are

Percy Hedley School is a school that sets out to make a difference to the learning, wellbeing and future life chances of children with additional needs. Teachers, therapists and special/learning support assistants work together in trans-disciplinary teams to meet the individual needs of every pupil. Together, we believe we can unlock each child’s potential and support achievement for all.

The Role

The main role of the Learning Support Assistant (LSA) is to work as part of a team as directed by the Class Teacher or Therapist, to support children's care and learning. Good communication and organisation skills are essential. Experience of behaviour management, knowledge of deafness and British Sign Language or experience of integrated work with children or adults with PMLD would be an advantage.

It is a unique environment where no two days are the same. On a day-to-day basis you will:

• Person centered, either one-to-one or two-to-one support with a student within the classroom environment.
• Participate in the creative planning and implementation of all aspects of the children’s curriculum.
• Support students out in the community and on educational visits.
• Support our learners to maximise learning in crucial life skills, meet their goals and aspirations through communication, independence and participation.
• Work closely with teachers, other LSAs and therapists to meet the needs of our students

The working hours for this position are full time (37 hours per week), term time only (39 weeks).
The hours are as follows:
Monday – 8am to 4pm
Tuesday – 8 am to 5pm
Wednesday - Friday – 8.30am to 4pm

Why Work for Us

Percy Hedley School encourages career development and progression. We run a robust training programme and also have development opportunities both within school and across the wider Foundation.

We also offer the following benefits to staff:

• Wellbeing support (including occupational health, physio services and counselling services)
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Induction and ongoing training
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a rewards scheme designed to save money on shopping
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Sociable working hours, finishing at 4pm most days.
• Have the school holidays off

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS and barring checks as well as other employment clearances such as referencing in line with our regulator’s legislation requirements.

Please note that this role is classed as regulated activity as it involves working directly with children and/or vulnerable adults. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self-declaration form prior to interview, and all candidates will be subject to an online check prior to interview. The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013, 2020 & 2023) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

Please note it is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and the Percy Hedley Foundation has the right to respond appropriately.

As a disability confident employer who is registered and accredited by the scheme, we would encourage all applications but please reach out if you require any guidance or support in your application.

Please access the following link for our child protection policy:

This is ongoing recruitment so the vacancy will close when a suitable number of applicants have been appointed.