Do you have a passion for supporting children to overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve their full potential?
We are looking for caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist therapeutic school, where every day presents an opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Working closely with teachers, you’ll provide personalised support to pupils both in and out of the classroom, helping them to access learning, develop independence and achieve their individual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes.
You’ll support children with a range of needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, communication difficulties and sensory processing differences, adapting your approach to ensure every child feels safe, understood and able to succeed.
This is far more than a classroom support role. You’ll build trusted relationships with pupils, contribute to behaviour and safeguarding strategies, support learning both on and off-site, and work collaboratively with colleagues and families to create an inclusive, nurturing environment where children can flourish. You’ll be an integral part of the school community, helping to celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, and encouraging pupils to develop the confidence and resilience they need for lifelong success.
We’re looking for individuals who are patient, compassionate and committed to inclusive education, with a genuine desire to help children reach their potential. In return, you’ll join a supportive and ambitious organisation that invests in your professional development, provides ongoing training and values every member of its team.
If you’re ready to make a lasting impact and be part of a school where relationships, wellbeing and outstanding outcomes are at the heart of everything we do, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions across core subjects like English and Maths, adapting National Curriculum tasks to match pupils’ abilities and sensory needs.
- Support EHCP outcomes, tracking and documenting progress toward individual social, emotional, and academic targets.
- De-escalate challenging behaviours using approved positive handling and emotional regulation frameworks (e.g., Team Teach or PROACT-SCIPr-UK).
- Build secure, trusting relationships with pupils, acting as a consistent, calm, and positive role model.
- Facilitate sensory and regulation breaks, helping pupils recognise triggers and use safe spaces effectively.
- Support social development during unstructured times, including break times, lunch, and off-site educational visits.
About You
We are seeking resilient, empathetic, and patient individuals who possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity and complex emotional needs.
Essential Criteria:
- Previous experience supporting children or young people, ideally within an SEND, SEMH, or ASD setting.
- Minimum GCSE Grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
- Exceptional patience, emotional resilience, and a non-judgmental approach to distressed behaviour.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable Criteria:
- Current Team Teach, MAPA, or equivalent positive behaviour support certification.
- Knowledge of the UK National Curriculum and experience delivering specific literacy or numeracy interventions.
- A background in youth work, psychology, sports coaching, or the creative arts.
What We Offer
- A highly supportive, collaborative, and inclusive staff team.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing funded CPD, including accredited de-escalation training.
- Regular clinical supervision and staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Excellent career progression pathways into pastoral, therapeutic, or HLTA/Unqualified Teacher roles.
- Local Government or Teacher Pension Scheme, and school holidays off.