SEN Learning Support Assistant

Cognita; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary based on experience

Enrolment in pension scheme

Free lunch during Term Time

School holidays and public holidays

Free parking on site

School fee discount

Exclusive third-party discounts

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

Cognita Downsend is recruiting an experienced SEN Learning Support Assistant to support a pupil with additional learning needs. The role is 37.5 hours per week, full-time during term-time only, on a fixed-term contract linked to EHCP funding.

You will work 1:1 with the learner, alongside class-teaching staff, to enable curriculum access and social development. You will join the SEND Team to deliver targeted interventions, monitor progress, and help create a warm, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people, ideally in a school or SEND setting.
• Understanding of SEND profiles and ability to build relationships with students, staff and families.
• Strong communication and organisational skills; ability to stay calm in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-class support, small-group interventions and one-to-one assistance.
• Deliver strategies and interventions outlined in EHCPs and support emotional well-being.
• Maintain accurate records using Provision Map and iSAMS; collaborate with teachers, parents and external professionals.

Job description

About the School-Downsend - Main:

Downsend is an innovative and forward-thinking independent school, with a new vision; to inspire a generation to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will make change in our world.

At Downsend, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative and problem-solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation, and we never hold back.

We are delighted to announce that all four schools in the Downsend family have been judged to be ‘excellent in all areas’ by the Independent School Inspectorate.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced SEN Learning Support Assistant to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 20 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

About the Role

Hours: 37.5 hours, full-time during term-time only (34.8 weeks).

Employment type: Fixed-Term Contract linked to EHCP funding.

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic 1:1 Learning Support Assistant to work closely with a child with additional learning needs. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a child's educational journey by providing tailored support to help them access the curriculum, develop communication skills, and thrive socially and emotionally. The candidate is required to work closely with the child and as part of the whole class, to work within the standards and requirements of the Senior School Curriculum planning and assessment, as well as helping the child with their attainment levels to achieve their full potential.

As a Senior School Learning Support Assistant, you will play a key role in helping students with SEND access learning, achieve their individual outcomes, and thrive within a supportive school environment. Working as part of the welcoming SEND Team, you will provide a combination of in-class support, small-group interventions, and one-to-one assistance. You will help deliver strategies and interventions outlined in EHCPs, support emotional wellbeing, and contribute to creating a warm, positive and inclusive learning experience. The role also involves working closely with teachers, parents, and external professionals, maintaining accurate records through Provision Map and iSAMS, and helping students develop the confidence, organisation, and resilience needed to succeed.

To view our Role Profile, click here.

Who We Are Looking For

You will be a positive, adaptable, and caring individual with experience working with young people, ideally within a school or SEND setting. You will understand a range of SEND profiles and be confident building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Strong communication, organisational skills, and the ability to remain calm in a busy environment are essential. We are looking for someone who can motivate and encourage students, use initiative, and bring a supportive yet fun approach to their work. Experience working with teenagers, delivering interventions, and supporting students with additional needs will be highly valued.

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role so you must have right to work in the UK.

Benefits at Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Enrolment in our company's pension scheme
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• School holidays and public holidays
• Free parking on site (subject to availability)
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Ongoing professional development

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.