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- Tasks: Support and nurture students with SEMH needs, creating a positive learning environment.
- Company: Woodfield School, a unique SEMH school in Coventry.
- Benefits: Make a real difference, receive excellent training, and enjoy career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and transform the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or a willingness to learn about SEMH needs.
- Other info: No previous school experience required; life experience is valued!
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Join Our Journey to Transform Lives! Woodfield School are seeking passionate, resilient and empathetic Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join our dedicated team supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is your opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in Coventry and join one of the most exciting educational journeys in the country.
Woodfield is a specialist all-through SEMH school supporting children from Year 1 to Year 11 who have been identified as unable to manage or cope within mainstream settings due to their special educational needs. Many of our children have also experienced significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Our school community provides not just education, but a safe space, a family-oriented community, and pastoral support for children and families who may have \”given up\” on education and are at crisis point. We are at an exciting turning point in our journey.
What will I be doing?
As an LSA, you\’ll be working directly with our students to provide support, encouragement, and guidance. You will be part of a delivery team working alongside the lead teachers to create a nurturing, therapeutic, and personalised environment that you will design and run together.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting and nurturing primary or secondary-aged pupils with SEMH difficulties (phase dependent)
- Helping children to progress socially and academically
- Working closely with the wider intervention and leadership team and other school staff
- Building strong relationships with parents and carers and providing feedback on children\’s progress and wellbeing
- Working independently with small groups
- Supporting the planning and preparation of engaging activities
- Building positive relationships with our young people and their families
Who are we looking for?
We need people who are:
- Passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people
- Resilient, patient, and empathetic
- Committed to our values: Effort, Respect, and Ambition
- Willing to learn and develop professionally
- Team players who can contribute to our warm, caring culture
- Experience and Skills: Experience of working with children in any setting (schools, care homes, youth work, etc.)
- Good behaviour management skills (or willingness to develop them)
- Understanding of SEMH needs (or desire to learn)
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
No previous school experiences? No problem! We value life experience as much as classroom experience. If you\’ve worked in children\’s care homes, youth services, mental health settings, or have relevant personal experience and want a career change, we want to hear from you!
Why join Woodfield?
- Make a genuine difference in the lives of children who need it most. We are the only school of our type in Coventry!
- No two days are the same – a varied, challenging, and rewarding role
- Excellent training and development opportunities including potential pathways to HLTA or qualified teacher status. Many of our staff have gone from being LSAs to Pastoral Managers, Teachers and even Senior Leaders!
- Supportive and friendly team who understand the challenges and rewards of SEMH education. Become part of the Woodfield family!
- Be part of our journey to create the very best SEMH provision in the country.
Application and Safeguarding
Closing date: Adverts shut off at midnight on your closing date Wednesday 15th October 2025. Interview date: TBC.
Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS. Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre-employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.
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Learning Support Assistant - Woodfield School employer: Coventry City Council
Contact Detail:
Coventry City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant - Woodfield School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Woodfield School and its values. Understanding their mission to support children with SEMH needs will help you connect your passion for making a difference during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or social media. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions. Think about how you would handle specific situations with students who have SEMH difficulties. This shows your understanding and readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Woodfield family.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant - Woodfield School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Learning Support Assistant at Woodfield School. Highlight any relevant experience, skills, and your understanding of SEMH needs to show us you're the right fit.
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to share your unique life experiences, even if they’re outside traditional educational settings. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application reaches us quickly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Understand the challenges these children face and think about how you can support them. This knowledge will show your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Share Personal Experiences
If you've got relevant life experiences, don’t shy away from sharing them! Whether it’s working in care homes or youth services, these stories can highlight your empathy and resilience, which are key traits for this role.
✨Prepare Engaging Activity Ideas
Think of a few engaging activities you could run with the students. This shows initiative and creativity, plus it gives you a chance to demonstrate how you would create a nurturing environment for the kids.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show your warmth and approachability, as these qualities are essential for working with vulnerable young people. A friendly smile and genuine interest can go a long way!
