Learning Support Assistant

Kings Education Trust is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership. All at Great Kingshill CE Combined are guided by the parable of the Good Samaritan and as such all employees are expected to follow the guiding principles by always giving their best, treating everyone with respect and acting with kindness.

Job details

• Salary: BPS Range 1 / 2
• Reporting to: SENDco / Assistant Headteacher / Deputy Headteacher / Headteacher
• Responsible for: Support for pupil with additional needs including class and social times

Main purpose

The LSA will:

• Work with class teachers to support a pupil with identified needs and ensure that the support is not unduly intrusive, it must not result in the child’s over-reliance
• Promote pupils’ independence, self-esteem and social inclusion
• Give support to the pupil, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience a sense of achievement

Duties and responsibilities

Teaching and learning

• Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of the pupil
• Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation in all learning activities
• Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning
• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures
• Support class teachers with maintaining good order and managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good, safe and productive learning environment
• Organise and manage the teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment
• Observe the pupils performance and pass observations on to the class teacher
• Use ICT skills to advance pupils’ learning
• Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher, Senco or Leadership team

Planning

• Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role
• Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons, if available
• Prepare the learning space for lessons

Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals

• Communicate effectively with other staff members and pupils
• Communicate their knowledge and understanding of the pupil to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision
• Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teacher and Senco
• With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress, or concerns they may have about the pupils they work with
• Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers
• Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues

Midday and Supervision

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of the pupil and peers at social times

Health and safety

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils, and help to safeguard pupils’ wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our school’s child protection policy
• Look after children who are upset or have had accidents and provide first aid for them
• Report any H & S concerns they see on site. Complete any relevant H & S training.

Professional development

• Help keep their own knowledge and understanding relevant and up-to-date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness
• Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school
• Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures

Other areas of responsibility

Safeguarding

• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies
• To use CPOMS to report any concerns they have about children / families in a timely manner.
• To complete relevant safeguarding training as directed by the DSL team.
• Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school
• Ensure all information relating to school, families and children is treated with care and respect.
• Consider GDPR guidance at all times.
• Follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.

Please note, this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the LSA will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher or line manager.