Secondary School Learning Support Assistant - Woodfield School

Woodfield School are seeking passionate, resilient and empathetic Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join our dedicated team supporting secondary school age 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.

Who are Woodfield School? 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’re at an exciting turning point in our journey:

• We’ll be relocating to a state-of-the-art facility at the old Woodlands site in September 2026.
• This will make us one of the largest and most innovative SEMH provisions in the country.
• We are creating the first-ever multi-agency approach to a school setting in collaboration with Social Care, Health and Police!

What is the job role? As an LSA, you’ll be working directly with our students to provide support, encouragement, and guidance. You’ll be part of a delivery team working alongside the lead teachers to create a nurturing, therapeutic, and personalised environment.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting and nurturing secondary-aged pupils with SEMH difficulties.
• 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!

So, 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!

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.