Learning Support Assistant - Woodfield School

Coventry City Council; Coventry; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational authority in Coventry is seeking enthusiastic Learning Support Assistants to help vulnerable young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. The role involves working directly with students, providing support, encouragement, and building relationships. Applicants are encouraged from various backgrounds as life experiences are valued. Join a supportive team focused on making a genuine impact in education.

Benefits

Excellent training and development opportunities

Supportive and friendly team

Potential pathways to HLTA or qualified teacher status

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children in any setting (schools, care homes, youth work, etc.)
• Understanding of SEMH needs or desire to learn.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Supporting and nurturing primary or secondary-aged pupils with SEMH difficulties.
• Helping children to progress socially and academically.
• Building strong relationships with parents and carers.

Skills

Passionate about making a difference

Resilience

Empathy

Good behaviour management skills

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Overview

Join Our Journey to Transform Lives! Woodfield School are seeking passionate, resilient and empathetic Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join our dedicated team supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is your opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in Coventry and join one of the most exciting educational journeys in the country.

What is the job role? Woodfield is a specialist all-through SEMH school supporting children from Year 1 to Year 11 who have been identified as unable to manage or cope within mainstream settings due to their special educational needs. Many of our children have also experienced significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Our school community provides not just education, but a safe space, a family-oriented community, and pastoral support for children and families who may have “given up” on education and are at crisis point.

We're at an exciting turning point in our journey:

We'll be relocating to a state-of-the-art facility at the old Woodlands site in April 2026. This will make us one of the largest and most innovative SEMH provisions in the country. We are creating the first-ever multi-agency approach to a school setting in collaboration with Social Care, Health and Police.

What will I be doing?

As an LSA, you'll be working directly with our students to provide support, encouragement, and guidance. You'll be part of a delivery team working alongside the lead teachers to create a nurturing, therapeutic, and personalised environment that you will design and run together.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting and nurturing primary or secondary-aged pupils with SEMH difficulties (dependent on phase)
• Helping children to progress socially and academically
• Working closely with the wider intervention and leadership team and other school staff
• Building strong relationships with parents and carers and providing feedback on children's progress and wellbeing
• Working independently with small groups
• Supporting the planning and preparation of engaging activities
• Building positive relationships with our young people and their families

Who are we looking for?

We need people who are:

• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people
• Resilient, patient, and empathetic
• Committed to our values: Effort, Respect, and Ambition
• Willing to learn and develop professionally
• Team players who can contribute to our warm, caring culture

Experience and Skills:

• Experience of working with children in any setting (schools, care homes, youth work, etc.)
• Good behaviour management skills (or willingness to develop them)
• Understanding of SEMH needs (or desire to learn)
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure

No previous school experiences? No problem!

We value life experience as much as classroom experience. If you've worked in children's care homes, youth services, mental health settings, or have relevant personal experience and want a career change, we want to hear from you!

So, why join Woodfield?

• Make a genuine difference in the lives of children who need it most. We are the only school of our type in Coventry!
• No two days are the same - a varied, challenging, and rewarding role
• Excellent training and development opportunities including potential pathways to HLTA or qualified teacher status. Many of our staff have gone from being LSAs to Pastoral Managers, Teachers and even Senior Leaders!
• Supportive and friendly team who understand the challenges and rewards of SEMH education. Become part of the Woodfield family!
• Be part of our journey to create the very best SEMH provision in the country.

Closing date: Adverts shut off at midnight on your closing date Wednesday 15th October 2025

Interview date: TBC

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS.

Note: Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre-employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.