At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs and provide care in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Dove House Academy, an outstanding school dedicated to student growth and well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, pension scheme, and wellness support.
- Other info: Flexible full-time and part-time roles available, with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and experience with special needs are a plus; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 19833 - 20833 £ per year.
Dove House is seeking to recruit hardworking, enthusiastic, confident and highly motivated learning support assistants to join our fantastic support team on a permanent basis.
Dove House is a popular, successful and highly regarded school in Basingstoke, for students with moderate/severe learning difficulties and autism, aged between 11-19. We are proud to be an ‘Outstanding’ school but retain our passion to keep moving forward.
In this key position, you will provide learning and care support, including personal intimate care, for students with special educational needs. You must be able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, tact and resilience when dealing with challenging circumstances, as well as being able to use your initiative and manage your own time well. Experience of working with primary or secondary pupils with complex special needs would be advantageous. Training will be given to the successful candidate.
Our Relational Culture Charter guides us to work together and support each other through:
- Effective Communication
- High Challenge & High Support to Empower
- Respect for All
- Solution-Focused Approaches
We believe that when relationships thrive, people thrive – and so do the children and young people we serve.
Salary & Benefits
Band 4, 32.5 hours a week, term time only, permanent. Actual Salary £19,833 - £20,833 + SEN Allowance.
By joining Dove House Academy, we offer you:
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development aligned in relational leadership and HR excellence
- A culture rooted in relational practice, belonging, and well-being
- A workplace where your values, voice, and contribution truly matter
- Local Government Pension Scheme with the option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time
- Increase in paid weeks after 5 years of service from 45.1 weeks to 45.9 weeks
- SEN Allowance with an increase after 3 and 5 years of service
- Life Insurance - 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme)
- Wellbeing Inset Day to support the wellbeing of our staff
- Free onsite parking
- Access to our onsite Fitness Suite
- CPD opportunities to support Career development
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Employee Benefits Platform
The hours for these roles are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8.30am – 3.15pm and Wednesday 8.30am - 4.30pm. You will work for 39 weeks of the year; however, you will be paid for 45.1 weeks. Your salary will be paid over 12 months of the year. We currently have full time and part time positions available.
If you want to make a positive difference and enrich the lives of our pupils, then this could be the school for you!
Location: Dove House Academy, Sutton Road, Oakridge, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 5SU
Closing Date for applications is Monday 15th June 2026, 9am. Interviews will be held on Monday 22nd June 2026.
Equal opportunities: Solent Academies Trust welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Only applications submitted on the academy’s application form will be accepted. Solent Academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
SEN Learning Support Assistant: Inspire & Care in Basingstoke employer: Dove House School
Dove House Academy is an outstanding school in Basingstoke, dedicated to providing exceptional support for students with special educational needs. We pride ourselves on a relational culture that fosters effective communication and personal growth, offering extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive work environment, and a commitment to staff well-being. With competitive benefits including a local government pension scheme, life insurance, and access to a fitness suite, we ensure our employees feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Learning Support Assistant: Inspire & Care in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out Dove House's website and social media. Understanding their values and how they support students will help you connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how you can demonstrate empathy and resilience in your answers. Use real-life examples from your experience with special needs to show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to ask questions! Show your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the team dynamics or professional development opportunities. This shows you’re keen to be part of their supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining the Dove House family.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Learning Support Assistant: Inspire & Care in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with special educational needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children, especially those with complex needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the role itself.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for confident and motivated individuals, so show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this fantastic opportunity at Dove House.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dove House School
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand Dove House Academy's Relational Culture Charter. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to effective communication and high support. This will help you align your answers with their values and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Learning Support Assistant, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated sensitivity and resilience in challenging situations. This will highlight your ability to connect with students who have special educational needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving students with moderate/severe learning difficulties or autism. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the professional development opportunities or how the school supports its staff's wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school's culture, making you stand out as a candidate.
