SEND Learning Support Assistant - Watford

Envision Education; Watford; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Envision Education is seeking a motivated SEND Learning Support Assistant for a specialist primary school in Watford. Immediate start, full-time, long-term commitment to support children aged 4-11 with diverse needs.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to aid learning, communication and independence, with training in specialist SEND approaches provided. Prior SEND experience in the UK is valued, and personal care support may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND in the UK
• May have worked in a school, specialist setting, care environment or similar role for at least 3 months
• Patient, compassionate and genuinely passionate about helping children reach their potential
• Comfortable supporting with personal care where required
• Willing to undertake training and develop understanding of specialist SEND approaches

Responsibilities

• Support pupils on a 1:1, small-group and whole-class basis
• Help children access lessons, play and practical learning
• Support communication, interaction and use of visual supports where appropriate
• Build positive relationships to help children feel safe and ready to learn
• Assist pupils to develop independence, self-care and life skills
• Support behaviour regulation and emotional well-being
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and other professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Provide higher levels of adult support as needed
• Engage in sensory and multi-sensory activities tailored to individual needs
• Contribute to a personalised curriculum aligned with EHCP outcomes

Skills

Experience with SEND

Teamwork

Patience

Adaptability

Willingness to learn

Job description

SEND Learning Support Assistant - Watford

Immediate start | Full-time | Long-term commitment

Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to children with special educational needs?

We are currently working with a welcoming specialist primary school in Watford, supporting children aged 4-11 with a wide range of additional needs.

The school supports pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), learning difficulties and speech, language and communication needs. Pupils have individualised learning programmes designed around their EHCP outcomes, strengths and developmental needs.

You would be joining a calm, supportive and nurturing environment where staff work closely together to help every child feel Ready, Safe and Kind.

The school is currently looking for enthusiastic Learning Support Assistants to join its dedicated team, with the opportunity to start as soon as possible.

The role

As a SEND Learning Support Assistant, you'll work as part of a supportive classroom team, helping pupils access learning and develop their communication, independence and social skills.

Your day could include:

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1, small-group and whole-class basis.
• Helping children access lessons, play, sensory activities and practical learning.
• Supporting pupils with communication and interaction, including the use of visual supports, symbols, Makaton, PECS and AAC where appropriate.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with children and helping them feel safe, settled and ready to learn.
• Supporting pupils to develop their independence, self-care and life skills.
• Helping children manage emotions, regulate their behaviour and develop positive relationships with others.
• Using a range of specialist approaches and strategies, with training provided where required.
• Supporting pupils with their individual EHCP outcomes and celebrating their progress.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Supporting pupils who may require a higher level of adult support, including personal care where necessary.
• Taking part in sensory, practical and multi-sensory activities designed around individual pupils´ needs.
• Encouraging children to become increasingly confident and independent both in school and within the wider community.

What we're looking for

You don't necessarily need a formal SEND qualification for this role. We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting children or young people with SEND, autism, learning difficulties or complex needs in the UK.
• May have worked with children in a school, specialist setting, care environment, support work or a similar role for at least 3 months.
• Is patient, compassionate and genuinely passionate about helping children reach their potential.
• Is comfortable supporting children who may have communication, behavioural, sensory or developmental needs.
• Is willing to support with personal care where required.
• Can build positive relationships with children and understand that progress can sometimes come in very small but important steps.
• Is adaptable, creative and able to respond to individual children´s needs.
• Works well as part of a team and is keen to learn.
• Is willing to undertake training and develop their understanding of specialist SEND approaches.

A qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Health & Social Care, Childcare or SEND would be advantageous but is not essential.

The school offers the opportunity to develop your skills within a genuinely specialist environment.

You'll be joining a supportive and dedicated staff team, with ongoing CPD and training to help you develop your knowledge and confidence when working with children with additional needs.

The school has small class groups, allowing staff to provide children with greater levels of individual attention, and uses a personalised curriculum designed around each pupil's needs and EHCP outcomes.

You'll have the opportunity to learn specialist approaches including TEACCH, Attention Autism, sensory approaches, communication strategies and emotional-regulation support, depending on the needs of the pupils you work with.

Most importantly, you'll be part of a team where your contribution can make a real difference to a child´s day, development and future.

About Envision Education

We specialise in education recruitment and take the time to understand your experience, personality and career goals.

Our aim is to find you a school where you´ll be well supported, valued and able to genuinely enjoy the work you do.

Whether you already have extensive SEND experience or are looking to develop your career in a specialist setting, we´d love to hear from you.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and full recruitment checks, including satisfactory references.

If you´re passionate about supporting children with SEND and would like to find out more about this opportunity at Colnbrook School in Watford.