Learning Support Officer - Term Time Only + 4 Weeks (20 hours p/w) in Middleton

To be the key point of contact between curriculum area and the Learning Support Team for area of responsibility for learners with a range of additional and learning needs. To meet the needs of learners with identified Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities including in class and out of class support and sensory support to remove barriers to accessing learning and participation. To implement agreed learning support with individuals and groups with a view to encourage learner independence using identified support strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• To be the key contact between the Learning Support Team and Programme Area/s and liaise with key staff and course tutors regarding learners with additional needs.
• To provide appropriate learning support for groups and/or individuals with identified Learning difficulties and/or Disabilities, including in and out of class support, unstructured times, residential activities, educational visits or work experience.
• To provide learning support (in class, small group and 1:1 support) for those learners identified as having additional support needs for literacy and numeracy.
• To implement and provide out of class support for identified learners with social and emotional needs, developing resources to support social/study skills for learners in the curriculum area/s.
• To contribute to the planning, differentiation and target setting for learners needs with curriculum staff, SSTs and the wider Student Support and Learning Support teams.
• To record, review and adapt strategies throughout the academic year using student hand and other college systems and monitor the quality of SMART targets for area of responsibility.
• To promote equality and integration for VI/HI learners with curriculum and the wider college.
• To take a lead advisory role in utilising a variety of assistive technology, specialist software to support learners with the use of specialist equipment and software and promote independence.
• To support the applications process for prospective students and ensure that all required information is made available, liaising with parents/carers, previous schools/colleges and external agencies.
• To support the Learning Support Manager, Learning Support Coordinators and Learning Support Officers to carry out Healthcare Plans, PEEPs, exam access concessions and ensure specialist equipment and software are in place.
• To work closely with the Learning Support Manager and Learning Support Coordinator to review support for learners based on assessment evidence, the EHCP and High Needs Funding, to put a staffing plan in place to meet individual needs within the curriculum area/s.
• To advise and guide the Inclusive Learning Assistants working within the Programme Area/s, support peer mentoring of new staff, and feedback to the Learning Support Coordinators regarding meeting KPIs.
• To support learners with personal care and medical needs including administration of medication where indicated in their Healthcare Plan.
• To provide electronic or manual notetaking as required.
• To support the process in place for Exam Access Arrangements, helping gather tutor evidence and attendance by learners to EAA assessment meetings.
• To develop and assist the integration of students by supporting the transition process and enrichment activities.
• To develop and adapt accessible resources and materials including VI/HI accessible resources for learners prior to lessons to maximise all learning opportunities.
• To develop positive working practices with external agencies in order to gather accurate information to inform learning support.
• To engage in continuous professional development.
• Any other duties, of a similar level of responsibility, as may be required.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualifications

• Essential Criteria: Level 2 (GCSE A* - C) in English and Maths. A recognised Level 2/3 qualification in Learning Support or equivalent or willingness to work towards this.
• Desirable Criteria: PTLLS, First Aid Certificate, Professional Note Taking qualification, BSL qualification.

Experience

• Essential Criteria: Experience of working with young people, individuals with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities, internal and external colleagues, teams and agencies, providing additional support in a learning environment, and developing resources for LDD and SEND learners.
• Desirable Criteria: Experience of learners with personal care needs and/or medical conditions, providing visual and hearing sensory support, and note taking to support learning.

Specialist Knowledge

• Essential Criteria: Knowledge of SEND and EHCPs and the care planning process, providing quality support to learners within the four areas of need (Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning, Social Emotional and Mental Health, Sensory and Physical Needs), support needs of learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities, Specific Learning Difficulties such as Autism and Dyslexia, effective interpersonal and communication skills for working with learners and their families, education professionals, and ability to self-evaluate and make necessary adaptations to own practice.
• Desirable Criteria: Knowledge of supporting learning with sensory impairment and Assistive Technology and software.

IT Skills

• Essential Criteria: Intermediate ability to use Microsoft Office applications and willing to undertake training appropriate to role.
• Desirable Criteria: Experience of student records system, electronic ILPs, Promonitor.