Senior Learning Assistant + SEN

St Helen's Metropolitan Borough Council; St Helens; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Learning Assistant to join a supportive team at a special school. This role involves building trusting relationships with young people facing complex challenges, helping them thrive academically and socially. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic practitioner committed to developing exceptional SEN education and supporting learners in their daily lives. With a focus on flexibility and personal growth, this position offers opportunities for professional development and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students. Join a friendly environment where your contributions are valued and encouraged.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction programme

Continued professional development

Employee Wellbeing Programme

Annual paid 'well-being day'

Flexible working hours

Opportunities for career development

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with complex needs is essential.
• Commitment to developing skills and knowledge in SEN education.

Responsibilities

• Support learners with communication difficulties and complex health needs.
• Assist learners in developing key life skills in school and community.

Skills

Experience with young people with complex needs

Building trusting relationships

Supporting learners academically and socially

Communication skills

Flexibility in approach

Education

Relevant qualifications in education or special needs

Job description

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Permanent position commencing: ASAP

About Mill Green School

Mill Green School is an 'Outstanding', maintained community special school, providing education to young people aged 14-19. The Governing Body are seeking to appoint an experienced, motivated and resilient Learning Assistant (Level 3) to join our hard working, dynamic and enthusiastic team who shares in our determination to transform the life chances young people who attend Mill Green. While we are looking for a candidate who has experience of working with young people with complex needs, applications from candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to develop their own skills and knowledge in order to become an outstanding specialist practitioner are warmly welcomed.

At Mill Green School, we understand that enabling positive outcomes for young people facing complex challenges isn't an overnight fix. The successful candidate will be a committed and enthusiastic individual, who is ready to start every day with a fresh outlook and welcome the complex young people into their learning and social development opportunities.

Role Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who is able to build trusting relationships with our young people to help them manage the learning challenges of the day. The role of Learning Assistant is essential to the support and development of our learners, enabling them to achieve success in a safe and caring learning environment. Flexibility is key in this role and may include working 1:1 with young people where required, or leading or supporting in a small group or class setting.

The successful candidate will be an outstanding, reflective and resourceful practitioner who is dedicated to making their practice the very best it can be. They will be committed to developing exceptional SEN education, taking a solution-focused and positive approach, with a passion about their work and the impact they have on improving outcomes for all learners, regardless of their educational needs or ability.

The role will involve:

1. Supporting learners academically and socially, in and out the classroom
2. Supporting young people with communication difficulties, severe learning difficulties and complex health needs
3. Assisting our learners with community and work-based learning
4. Supporting our learners to develop key life skills both in school and in the community, including meal preparation, money skills, self-care, housekeeping, laundry, food shopping and personal safety.

Why Mill Green School?

We know as a member of the Mill Green team, you are going to do great things. In addition to joining a friendly, supportive and dedicated team, you can expect:

1. A comprehensive induction programme, ensuring that you have the support you need to settle into your role
2. A programme of continued professional development including access to coaching and mentoring, an e-learning platform and online training courses. All staff access a rolling programme of role-specific CPD and behaviour management support.
3. Employee Wellbeing Programme to support in and outside of school
4. An annual, paid 'well-being day'
5. Flexible working (staggered hours): Outside of our core hours, staff are able to start or leave early in order to be flexible around their needs.
6. Opportunities for career development e.g. Level 4 Certificate for HLTAs or Teacher Training
7. To be part of a well-supported, valued team.

Safer Recruitment

The school is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Section Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure check and as part of the shortlisting process, applicants will be subject to an online search.

We strongly encourage prospective candidates to visit the school and see what we are about; we know that how we fit you is as important as how you will fit us. Visits can be arranged by contacting Stephanie Shipley, our School Business Manager on 01744 678760.

Closing date: Wednesday 30th April 2025 at 9am
Shortlisting: Friday 2nd May 2025
Interviews: Friday 9th May 2025