Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant

Orbis Education and Care; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Orbis Education and Care’s Birchwood School in Cardiff is seeking a Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant to support pupils with SEN and SEMH in a specialist educational setting.

The role focuses on using trauma-informed approaches to help pupils regulate emotions, build resilience, and engage in learning within a safe, structured environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with children or young people with SEN, SEMH, or additional learning needs.
• Calm, patient, and empathetic approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Resilience to support pupils through challenging situations.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support for pupils with SEN, SEMH, Autism, ADHD, and additional learning needs.
• Support pupils experiencing emotional distress or behaviours that challenge in a calm and compassionate manner.
• Sign off and quality check RADAR reports.
• Apply trauma-informed and de-escalation strategies to help pupils regulate emotions and return to learning successfully.
• Build strong, trusting relationships that promote emotional security, confidence, and wellbeing.
• Support the implementation and review of Trauma Responsive Management (TRM) plans and individual support programmes.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families, and external professionals.
• Monitor behavioural patterns, identify triggers, and contribute to effective intervention planning.
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and school engagement.
• Help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Share best practice and contribute to the development of trauma-informed approaches across the school including observations, coaching and mentoring staff.

Skills

Calm demeanor

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Driving licence

Education

Education/Childcare related degree

Tools

N/A

Job description

About The Role

Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant (LSA)

Birchwood School, Cardiff – Annual Salary: £21,732.75 to £23,049 (£25,856.40 to £27,422.40 FTE) - Full Time 37.5 Hours per Week - Term-Time Only - SEN Education Jobs

Are you an experienced Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Teaching Assistant, or Support Worker looking for a rewarding role in a specialist educational setting? Do you have experience supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), Autism (ASD), ADHD, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), or trauma-related behaviours?

Birchwood School in Cardiff is recruiting a dedicated Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant to help transform the lives of children and young people who have experienced adversity, attachment difficulties, or barriers to learning.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist school where positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, and trauma-informed practice are at the heart of everything we do.

About The Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant Role

As a Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant, you will support pupils with a range of additional learning needs, behavioural needs, and emotional regulation challenges. Working closely with teachers, therapists, and families, you will help create a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where pupils can develop confidence, resilience, and independence.

Using evidence-based trauma-informed approaches, you will support pupils to regulate emotions, overcome challenges, and engage successfully in education.

This Role Is Ideal For Candidates With Experience In

• Learning Support Assistant (LSA) roles
• Teaching Assistant (TA) positions
• SEN Support
• Behaviour Support
• Residential Childcare
• Youth Work
• Health and Social Care
• Psychology or Education settings

Key Responsibilities

As a Trauma Informed Learning Support Assistant, you will:

• Provide individual and small-group support for pupils with SEN, SEMH, Autism, ADHD, and additional learning needs.
• Support pupils experiencing emotional distress or behaviours that challenge in a calm and compassionate manner.
• Sign off and quality check RADAR reports.
• Apply trauma-informed and de-escalation strategies to help pupils regulate emotions and return to learning successfully.
• Build strong, trusting relationships that promote emotional security, confidence, and wellbeing.
• Support the implementation and review of Trauma Responsive Management (TRM) plans and individual support programmes.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families, and external professionals.
• Monitor behavioural patterns, identify triggers, and contribute to effective intervention planning.
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and school engagement.
• Help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Share best practice and contribute to the development of trauma-informed approaches across the school including observations, coaching and mentoring staff.

Essential Requirements

To be successful in this Learning Support Assistant role, you will have:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEN, SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional learning needs.
• A calm, patient, and empathetic approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The resilience to support pupils through challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for helping children achieve positive outcomes.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable Skills And Experience

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with knowledge or experience of:

• Trauma Informed Practice
• PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy)
• Attachment Theory
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• Behaviour Support
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• ADHD
• SEMH Education
• Specialist Education Settings
• Therapeutic Care Environments

Relevant qualifications in Education, Childcare, Psychology, Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Social Work, or a related field would be advantageous.

Why Join Birchwood School?

We Offer

Term-time only working pattern for improved work-life balance

• Specialist training in trauma-informed practice, behaviour support, Autism, ADHD, and emotional wellbeing
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• Supportive multidisciplinary team environment
• The chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people
• Access to Orbis Education & Care employee benefits, wellbeing support, and Blue Light Card eligibility

Join Our Team

At Birchwood School, we understand that behaviour is communication and that every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, valued, and successful. If you're passionate about supporting young people with SEN, SEMH, Autism, ADHD, and trauma-related needs, we'd love to hear from you.