SEN Learning Support Assistant

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 9,800 - 10,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Visits to school encouraged

Job summary

Shorefields is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to support pupils with SEN at Fairhouse Primary School in Basildon. The role is part-time, fixed-term, and runs 16.25 hours weekly, typically Monday to Friday 11.55am–3.10pm.

Starting salary is on Local Government Scale 3 (min £9,837, max £9,993) with Essex pay awards. The successful candidate will work to support emotional and academic development in a small, friendly school setting, showing empathy, adaptability and a trauma-informed

Qualifications

• Experience with SEN pupils
• Trauma-informed, relational approach to learning
• Empathetic, confident practitioner
• Able to work independently and with others
• Experience with neurodivergent children

Responsibilities

• Work with teachers to support learning and play
• Support SEN children during lunch breaks, including eating and activities
• Maintain safety and positive conduct during midday break
• Establish relationships with pupils and provide feedback on progress
• Organise learning environments and manage resources
• Escort pupils on educational visits and support class routines

Skills

SEN experience

trauma-informed

calm under pressure

team player

Tools

First aid

Job description

Position Start Date: 09/11/2026 Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Fixed

Application Close: 18/10/2026 4pm Date of Interviews: 22/10/2026 Shortlisting Starts: 19/10/2026

Fixed term linked to the provision of support for pupils with SEN and general classroom support.

16.25 hours per week (Monday - Friday 11.55am - 3.10pm)

Local Government Scale 3, Point 6-7. Actual starting salary min £9,837 - £9,993. Based on Essex pay award April 2026.

Are you passionate about supporting children emotionally and academically? If so, we would love you to join our team! We are looking for a Learning Support Assistant with experience working with SEN pupils, to work within our small, friendly school.

We are looking for an empathetic, confident practitioner who is:

• Experienced in working with children with social, communication and emotional needs
• Experienced in supporting neurodivergent children
• Committed to a therapeutic, relational approach based on trauma-informed principles
• Adaptable - responsive to changing needs
• Calm, patient and enthusiastic
• Resourceful and able to work independently as well as with the team
• Passionate about supporting children to achieve to the best of their ability
• Able to listen thoughtfully and reflect

We can offer the right candidate:

• The opportunity to be part of a hardworking, professional staff team
• The chance to make a significant impact on children's learning
• A supportive leadership team and Governing Body
• A commitment to improvement and an openness to new ideas

Please see the Recruitment Pack for further details regarding the post.

Visits to the school are strongly encouraged. Please contact the school to arrange on 01206 230305 or via [e-mail]

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose

• To work in partnership with class teachers to support learning and play, in line with codes of practice and school policies and procedures.
• To support SEN children during the lunch break, including support with eating and providing activities for children.

Principal Accountabilities

• Working with individuals or small groups of children under the direction of teaching staff
• Implement planned learning activities as agreed with the teacher, adjusting activities according to pupils' responses as appropriate
• To maintain the safety, welfare and good conduct of pupils during the midday break

Duties

• Establish positive relationships with pupils
• Interact with, and support pupils, according to individual needs and skills
• Organise and manage an appropriate learning environment
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of children with special needs within the classroom ensuring access to lessons and their content through appropriate clarification, explanation and resources
• Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies
• Provide accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement, progress and other matters
• Promote positive pupil behaviour in line with school policies and help keep pupils on task
• Provide feedback to pupils
• To support learning by arranging/providing resources for lessons/activities under the direction of the teacher/HLTA
• To attend to pupils' personal needs including help with social, welfare and health matters, including minor first aid
• To assist with the preparation, maintenance and control of stocks of materials and resources
• Assist with the development and implementation of One Plans/EHCPs
• Liaise with other staff and provide information about pupils as appropriate
• To assist with the display and presentation of pupils' work
• To supervise pupils for limited and specified periods
• To assist with escorting pupils on educational visits
• To implement the school relationships and behaviour policy and maintain good order
• To provide pastoral care, guidance and routine advice to pupils as appropriate
• To alert the class teacher and/or the Headteacher of any concerns regarding an individual child or group of children.

General

• Embrace the ethos and values of the school
• Establish constructive relationships with staff, pupils and parents. Communicate with other agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support achievement and progress of pupils
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
• Comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, equal opportunities, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person
• To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with line manager.
• To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health & safety in the workplace
• Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the School's Equal Opportunities Policy
• The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

The duties above are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the postholder may be required by the Headteacher to carry out appropriate duties within the context of the job, skills and grade.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Learning Support Assistant / SEN Support Assistant

Fairhouse Primary School, Basildon Closing: 09/10/2026 Midday