Learning Support Assistant - Register your interest

The Outdoors Group Ltd; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The Outdoors School, part of The Outdoors Group Ltd, is seeking a dedicated support role to assist learners with SEMH and ASD in outdoor environments. You will support tutor groups, contribute to behaviour plans, and provide crisis- and needs-based support to learners.

Role requires resilience to outdoor work in all weathers, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to safeguarding. DBS and references are required, with salary £24,883.00 per year, term-time contract.

Qualifications

• Excellent behaviour management with solution-focused planning.
• Strong communication, written and verbal, with colleagues and parents.
• Learner-centred approach with differentiation for needs.
• Recent experience with SEMH and ASD/PDA learners in school.
• Willingness to undergo required safeguarding training.

Responsibilities

• Support the assigned tutor group with crisis and needs-based support.
• Assist with behaviour strategy recording and reviews.
• Work with individuals or small groups across ASD/SEMH needs.
• Contribute to assessment of behaviour care plans and risk assessments.
• Engage in CPD and reflective practice to share best practices.

Skills

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Learner centred approach

Experience with SEMH/ ASD

Teamwork

Education

5 GCSEs A-C or equivalent

Job description

We recruit throughout the year to build a pool of talented candidates for future opportunities across our sites. Depending on current vacancies and your preferences, you may either be invited to interview during the recruitment process or contacted when a suitable vacancy becomes available.

ABOUT THE OUTDOORS SCHOOL

The Outdoors Group School is an Independent Special School that is based solely outside in a woodland setting for learners with SEMH and ASD needs. We believe in developing the whole learner, not just their academic ability. We use a project-based method, allowing the learner to be completely autonomous, whilst contributing to a well-rounded education based on skills for lifelong learning and personal development.

We are on the lookout for talented individuals with experience in supporting our young people with SEMH and ASD needs but also a strong ability to support their pastoral needs. No day is the same and a flexible and adaptable approach is essential as some of our young people may have experienced early life trauma.

These roles require the ability to work as part of a team, but also the initiative and confidence to work independently with a learner.

For all our roles, a DBS and reference checks are required. The Outdoors Group Ltd is committed to the safeguarding of all staff, children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in its activities and in promoting their welfare.

The duties outlined in this job description are in addition to those covered by The Outdoors School policies and procedures. They may be modified by the Executive Headteacher, with your agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the job, commensurate with the salary and job title.

• Support learning across all curriculum elements: Support learning across all curriculum elements: Literacy, Numeracy, SMEH, PHSE, Forest Skills, STEM, Physical and Creative
• Review IBSPs & PDRs for learners.
• Complete PASS tests and reviews as required.
• Provide support for other staff requiring support.
• Ensure opportunities to meet EHCP target.
• Provide written reports for other colleagues / professionals (e.g prior to EHCP review meetings).
• Ensure opportunities are provided for learners within their individual learning style.
• Use creative ways to assess and record progress.
• Contact with home, to include supporting with the Home Learning Environment.
• Ability to be flexible to the learning environment/ taking people off on the 121.
• Able to implement a reflective or restorative process with individual learners.
• Building rapport and understanding with individual learners.
• Proactive work spotting the signs and trends of an individual’s behaviour.
• Engage in staff supervision and appraisal process.
• Engage in critical reflective practice and participate in CPD opportunities, developing and sharing ideas and best practice for training and delivery.

Purpose of Role

• You will support the needs for your assigned tutor group of learners, provide crisis management and needs based support for assigned learners and be support for other staff requiring support.
• You will support staff by helping with behaviour strategy recording and review. You will work with either individuals or small groups all of which will have varying levels of need within ASD and SEMH.
• You will contribute to the assessment of behaviour care plan, risk assessments and other elements using the Individual Learning Plan with particular focus on SEMH development.

Special Demands

• Resilience to working outside in all weathers.
• Resilience to working in an emotionally challenging environment.
• Resilience to work with dysregulated learners.
• Ensure that learners experience a supportive and positive staff team at all times.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Excellent behaviour management skills with a high emphasis on solution focussed planning and delivery of bespoke SEMH skills programme.
• Excellent support skills with a commitment to critical reflection and professional development.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• A learner focussed approach and ability to differentiate and create bespoke opportunities according to learner needs.
• Successful recent experience of working with Primary or Secondary learners with SEMH difficulties and ASD/PDA.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Recent experience of working with Primary or Secondary learners with SEMH difficulties and ASD/PDA.
• Previous experience working within outdoor education or Forest School settings.
• Knowledge of behaviour intervention and support practices.
• Knowledge of inter-agency working.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• 5 GCSE’s grade A-C or equivalent.
• Willingness to undergo training the organisation feels is appropriate.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• Outdoor, Adventure or Forest School, specifically Paediatric First Aid.
• Level 2 Safeguarding.
• Level 3 Forest School Leader.

ESSENTIAL PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Demonstrate a commitment and passion for the Forest School Ethos.
• Resilience to working outdoors in all weathers.
• Enthusiasm and drive for improvement.
• Ability to work successfully as part of a team.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
• Commitment to safeguarding and safe practice.

Commitment to Equal Opportunities.

£24,883.00 (Full time, term time contract, 40 weeks per year)

City: Opportunities may become available at one of the following locations: Shillingford (Exeter), Crediton, South Brent or Tiverton.