The Learning Support Assistant Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and professional learning support assistant to work with pupils in KS3/4. You will be responsible for supporting learners with a range of activities, from general classroom assistance to specific 1:1 support and intervention work.
Knowledge and Skills Required:
- Sensitivity and understanding
- Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- To enjoy working with other people
- To be flexible and open to change
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- The ability to understand people’s reactions
- Active listening skills
- Basic computer or hand held technical device knowledge (for logging information.)
- To understand the importance of handling confidential information correctly
- Knowledge of Special Educational Needs
Building Positive Relationships
The relationships formed between pupils and Teaching Assistants are vital. Pupils need to trust the adults supporting them and feel safe at all times.
Teaching Assistants are encouraged to think carefully about how they can establish and foster positive relationships with the children they work with, without fostering dependence on a particular adult.
All adults that work with young people, whether in SEND or mainstream, are essential role models: they must model appropriate and positive communication and interaction skills so that young people can develop these skills for themselves.
Promoting independence
Whilst it may help a student to watch support staff model a skill that we want them to learn, this should not be mistaken for completing learning task for them.
Teaching Assistants think carefully, and seeks guidance from the teacher, about the level of support a pupil requires to access a task. Over supporting the pupil will only deprive them of the opportunity to develop that skill for themselves.
The School
The school is located near Gravesend and provides an excellent level of education for the children. It is well funded and well-staffed and the provision for SEN children is especially good. If successful you will benefit from a vibrant teaching environment.