Learning Support Assistant – Plymouth

Luma Education Recruitment Ltd; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rate

Weekly payments

Permanent route to role

CPD and training opportunities

Job summary

Luma Education Recruitment is seeking caring Learning Support Assistants to join a small independent SEMH school in the Plymouth area. This long-term, temp-to-perm role supports pupils aged 7-16 with SEMH needs in a nurturing setting.

As an LSA, you will support in class and small groups, help manage anxiety and sensory needs, and build trusting relationships with pupils while following safeguarding policies.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEN/SEND or SEMH in a school, youth work, care or similar setting.
• Calm, patient and nurturing approach.
• Willingness to commute to a rural location near Plymouth; driving licence desirable.
• Trauma-informed or Thrive training desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs in class and small groups.
• Help pupils manage anxiety, dysregulation and sensory needs with calm strategies.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Support pupils' social, emotional and academic development (mainly primary level).
• Maintain a calm, safe and positive learning environment.
• Follow safeguarding and behaviour policies.

Skills

SEMH support

SEN/SEND experience

Calm demeanor

Relationship building

Job description

Learning Support Assistant - Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, Devon

Pay: £115-£140 per day, depending on experience

Contract: Full-time, Monday-Friday, term time | Long-term, temp-to-perm

Setting: Independent SEMH school, pupils aged 7-16

Start Date: ASAP

Closing date: Friday 30 October 2026

Luma Education Recruitment are seeking caring, patient and nurturing Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join a small independent SEMH school in the Plymouth area. This long-term, temp-to-perm Teaching Assistant role is in a nurturing, therapeutic setting, supporting pupils aged 7-16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

About the School:

Our client is a not-for-profit independent SEMH school with a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach. It puts pupils' emotional wellbeing first and academic learning second, helping young people who have struggled in mainstream education to feel safe, settled and ready to learn. Pupils have needs including anxiety, emotional dysregulation and sensory needs.

Classes are very small and the staff team is close-knit, with very low staff turnover. The school is in high demand, with waiting lists for places, and has recently opened a new site. It is now recruiting several Learning Support Assistants to grow its team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support pupils with SEMH needs in class and in small groups, alongside experienced therapeutic educators
• Help pupils manage anxiety, dysregulation and sensory needs using calm, consistent strategies
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• Support pupils' social, emotional and academic development (mainly primary-level learning)
• Help maintain a calm, safe and positive learning environment
• Follow the school's safeguarding and behaviour policies

Requirements:

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEN, SEND or SEMH needs (in a school, youth work, care or similar setting)
• Dedicated, patient and calm, with a nurturing approach
• Passionate about helping young people who have struggled in mainstream education
• Flexible and adaptable, with a positive, encouraging attitude
• Able to commute to a rural location near Plymouth (a driving licence is desirable)
• Trauma-informed or Thrive training desirable but not essential

Benefits:

• Competitive daily rate (£115-£140) DOE with weekly payments
• Clear route to a permanent position with the school
• Small, supportive team with very low staff turnover
• Efficient registration process and expert payroll support
• CPD and ongoing training opportunities
• Dedicated consultants helping you find the best roles

About Luma Education Recruitment

All candidates will go through safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS and reference checks.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.