Learning Support Assistant in Aldridge

At Aldridge School we aim to ensure that every young person achieves their potential by providing an education that challenges them intellectually and offers them a wide range of opportunities to develop and stretch their unique talents and interests. We believe that education is more than just grades. Grades are certainly the 'passport' that pupils need to move on to the next stage of their lives, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure they are able to achieve their aspirations. However, the real art of education is to develop confident, resilient, and independent young people who are in possession of the 'passport' that grades provide.

We feel that our aims are best achieved by providing a challenging learning environment that is built upon a formula of high expectations, inspired and passionate teaching, and strong pastoral support. We expect our pupils to arrive at school on time, complete their homework, bring the right equipment, and apply themselves to their studies with intellectual curiosity and academic endeavour. We have high expectations, but our staff work relentlessly to support our pupils in meeting these.

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey within an educational community that values increasing opportunities, improving outcomes for our students? We are looking for a Learning Support Assistant to join our team. Reporting to the SENDCo you will undertake:

• Assist in the educational and social development of key pupils under the direction and guidance of the head teacher, SENCO and PLC manager.
• Support in the implementation and running of programmes aimed to promote pupil progress and social development.
• Provide support for individual students, who have recently made the transition to secondary education, inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Support with the differentiation of teaching and learning.
• Work with other professionals as necessary.
• Support students with emotional or behavioural problems and help develop their social/emotional skills.
• Keep a record of the nature and effectiveness of support/intervention strategies used with students and assist in the implementation of learning plans for students and help monitor their progress via Support Records.

Pay range: Grade 3 SCP 4-6 TTO pro-rata

Qualifications and Skills:

• Ability to show initiative in supporting the effective inclusion of an individual child and small groups of students.
• Use of other equipment technology, e.g. laptop, photocopier.
• Understanding of the principles of child development and learning processes.
• Ability to differentiate for the needs of students effectively.
• Ability to self‑evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities.
• Ability to relate well to children and adults.
• Empathy and understanding for children who have social, emotional and mental health/communication needs.
• Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these.
• Very good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Experience of working with students who are working significantly below age expectations.
• Experience and knowledge of working with the Primary School curriculum and/or experience of working in a Special School setting.
• Supporting children with Special Educational Needs.
• Supporting children with behavioural needs.

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.