At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Castlewood School, dedicated to fostering inclusive education.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, career progression, free parking, and health support.
- Other info: Join a supportive community committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and understanding of SEMH needs preferred.
Castlewood School is seeking to appoint 4 dedicated Learning Support Assistants to join our team from September 2026. This is a fixed-term, term-time-only role until July 2027, linked to pupil funding, with the potential to become permanent.
About the Role
You will play a vital role in supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, working either:
- 1:1 with individual pupils, both in and outside of the classroom
- Supporting small groups within the classroom environment
A key part of the role is helping pupils to regulate their emotions so they are ready to learn, in line with our ethos of “regulate before you educate.” You will support learning, engagement, and positive behaviour throughout the school day. You will work under the direction of the class teacher to prepare classrooms for lessons and learning activities, supporting pupils with their individual learning needs, emotional regulation, and general wellbeing, and helping create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for individuals who are:
- Caring, resilient, and committed to supporting children with SEMH needs
- Strong team players with a positive and proactive attitude
- Excellent communicators who can build relationships with pupils and staff
- Passionate about making a difference in children’s lives
Experience working with primary or secondary-aged pupils
Experience with or understanding of SEMH needs
Experience in a school, care, or support setting
Full training will be provided, and we welcome applicants who are keen to learn and develop in this area.
Why Join Castlewood School?
Benefits of working for us include:
- Ongoing CPD, coaching, and training opportunities
- Support to build confidence and specialist SEMH skills
- Opportunities for career progression within the school and wider Trust
- A supportive school community
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee making facilities
- Generous local government pensions scheme
- Health & Wellbeing support package
Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding
We are an Equal Opportunities employer and welcome applications from all members of the community. Castlewood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The policy on the employment of ex‑offenders can be found on our website - via the Manor Hall Trust Policies link, see the Safer Recruitment Policy. By engaging in this recruitment process, shortlisted candidates consent to an online search in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Statutory Guidance 2023.
Learning Support Assistant in Birmingham employer: Castlewood School
Castlewood School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer ongoing training and career progression opportunities, alongside a generous benefits package that includes health and wellbeing support, free on-site parking, and a commitment to equality and diversity. Join our passionate team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with SEMH needs while enjoying a collaborative and nurturing work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Edu-Tech Meetups
Dive into some local edu-tech meetups or webinars related to digital learning. These gatherings are prime spots to connect with professionals in the field, and you might just bump into someone from Castlewood School looking for temporary support like a Learning Support Assistant. Plus, you’ll get to see what’s trending in education tech!
✨Volunteer for Online Educational Events
Look for opportunities to volunteer at online events or workshops—these can help you gain experience and get your name out there. Your contributions may catch the eye of companies like Castlewood School when they’re on the lookout for talented folks for temporary roles in digital learning.
✨Leverage Social Media Groups
Join social media groups focused on digital education, like Facebook or LinkedIn groups. These communities often share job postings for temporary roles and can help us connect with current members at Castlewood School who can potentially put in a good word for you.
✨Make Your Passion for Teaching Visible
Consider creating content that showcases your knowledge of digital learning—maybe a blog or a series of helpful videos. This not only builds your portfolio but establishes your credibility in the field. Plus, you never know who from Castlewood School might stumble upon your work while looking for a Learning Support Assistant!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Digital Skills:In the digital learning and education sector, it's crucial to highlight your tech-savviness. Make sure your CV includes any experience with e-learning platforms, digital content creation, or learning management systems. This tech flair helps us see you're ready to thrive in our digital landscape at Castlewood School.
Let Your Passion Shine Through:For a temporary role, we want to know why you’re excited about digital learning! Your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for education technologies. Talk about any projects or initiatives you’ve been part of that showcase your passion. This gives us insight into how you can contribute to our team, even for a short stint.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications related to digital education—like teaching online or instructional design—make sure you highlight those in your application. They can really set you apart from other candidates and show us you're knowledgeable and committed to the field.
Tailor Your Portfolio:If you’ve created any digital learning materials, this is the perfect time to showcase them! We love seeing examples of your work, so include a link to your portfolio that features your best creations relevant to the temporary role at Castlewood School. This hands-on evidence can speak volumes about your creative capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Castlewood School
✨Show Off Your Creativity in Digital Learning
When preparing for your interview with Castlewood School, think about how you can showcase your creative approaches to digital learning. Bring along examples of projects or modules you've designed, especially those that highlight your ability to engage students remotely. It’ll help demonstrate your hands-on experience, which is essential for this role.
✨Know Your EdTech Tools
Get familiar with the latest in educational technology tools that are popular in the digital-learning field, like learning management systems and online assessment platforms. Being able to chat fluently about tools such as Moodle or Google Classroom during your interview could give you a real edge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Flexibility is Key for Temporary Roles
Since this role with Castlewood School is temporary, it’s super important to convey your flexibility and adaptability during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you can quickly acclimate to new environments and seamlessly integrate into existing teams. It shows you’re a team player and can handle the ebb and flow of temporary work.
✨Demonstrate Passion for Lifelong Learning
In the digital learning space, showing a passion for education and personal development can really set you apart. Be prepared to chat about how you stay current with trends in digital education and any extra courses or resources you’ve explored. It’ll highlight your motivation and potential value to Castlewood School as they seek to innovate in their teaching approaches.
