Learning Support Assistant in Hastings

To assist in the learning and personal development of identified students to enable them to make best use of the educational opportunities available to them and promote independent learning.

Location: You will be based at our Preparatory School, St Leonards

Hours: 26 hours per week (term time only + INSET days)

Line Manager: SENDCo

Key Responsibilities

• The LSA ensures that the students can effectively access the resources, are fully engaged to make a positive contribution to their own learning journey and develop their independent skills.
• Creating learners that are independent and able to apply acquired skills to learning challenges.
• Effectively communicating with teaching staff on the needs of the students and the curriculum and contributing in the creation of a collaborative plan to support the learning outcomes of identified students.
• For the key student, be the central point of contact for parents and outside agencies.
• Working with teaching staff to adapt differentiated learning materials to meet the needs of identified students.

Skills, Qualifications And Experience

• Have GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent qualifications in maths and English.
• Be competent in using a computer (Microsoft Office, Google platform etc.)

Personal Qualities

• Have experience of working with children in a school setting.
• Have knowledge and understanding of the different social, cultural and physical needs of SEND pupils.
• Have an interest in how pupils learn and behave.
• Provide appropriate role models of behaviour both in the classroom and around school.
• Be productive and show initiative.
• Work effectively with other adults in the school and wider community.
• Have patience with pupils who find conforming to rules and expectations difficult.

You Must Be Able To

• Undertake tasks under the direction of the Class Teacher, SENDCo, Deputy Principal or Principal.
• Plan and prioritise tasks and work under the pressure of a busy inclusive school.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately to the SEND pupil(s).
• Motivate SEND pupil(s) to learn and to be sociable.
• Assist with the organisation of the learning environment.
• Maintain records of the SEND pupil(s).
• Have patience, be flexible and innovative with a clear understanding of how SEND pupil(s), who find learning new concepts and remembering taught concepts difficult, might behave.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality but have regard to the safeguarding protocols of information sharing where necessary.
• Be able to carry out tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Principal, Deputy Principal, SENDCo or class teacher.
• Attend training courses considered appropriate for the post.

Supporting The Pupil

• Being able to support SEND pupil(s) in the classroom and online as some SEND pupil(s) may be isolating at home.
• To provide learning support for SEND pupil(s) in 1:1 situation or small group scenario.
• To aid the SEND pupil(s) to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by, for example:
• Clarifying and explaining instructions.
• Ensuring the SEND pupil(s) can use equipment and materials provided.
• To give positive encouragement, feedback, and praise to reinforce and sustain the SEND pupil(s) efforts and develop self-reliance and self-esteem.
• To develop knowledge of the needs of the pupil and seek advice from the SENDCo, parents, class teacher and outside agencies as required.
• To aid access to the full range of learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom and provide modified materials as required e.g., worksheets, games, visual prompt cards etc.
• To support the SEND pupil(s) in developing social skills both in and out of the classroom.
• To support the SEND pupil(s) with the recommended exercises from his Occupational Therapist, with the view to use the gym on a weekly basis.
• To support the use of ICT in learning activities.
• To provide regular feedback on the pupil's progress and learning to the SENDCo, tutor and parents, including feedback on the effectiveness of the classroom strategies adopted.
• To support, organise and maintain an inclusive learning environment across the whole school environment.
• To provide individual support, as required, during examination sessions.
• To carry out the above duties in accordance with the school policies.

Supporting The Class Teachers And SENDCo

• To work as part of the team to ensure that the wellbeing and personal development of the SEND pupil(s) enhances their learning opportunities and life skills.
• To determine with the class teacher and SENDCo, the intervention strategies to be used to best support the individual student.
• Monitor the student’s response to the learning activities and, where appropriate, modify or adapt the activities as agreed with the teacher to achieve the intended learning outcomes.
• To provide regular feedback to the class teacher, SENDCo and relevant outside agencies about the SEND pupil(s) difficulties and progress.
• To contribute to the SEND pupil(s) annual review by writing a brief report and attending the meeting.
• To accompany teacher and student on educational visits when appropriate.

Supporting The School

• To foster positive links between home and school for selected SEND pupil(s).
• To participate in relevant professional development as deemed appropriate for the needs of the child.
• To attend in service training and meetings relevant to the post to keep up to date with developments in working with children with special educational needs.
• To know, understand and apply school policies on: Child Protection, Health and Safety, Behaviour, Teaching and Learning, Equal Opportunities, the statutory guidelines relating to disability discrimination and special educational needs, etc.
• To maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to the SEND pupil(s) needs but have regard to the safeguarding procedures of the school.
• To carry out duties as directed by the SENDCo, Deputy Principal or Principal.

Job Description Statement

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. The post holder may be required from time to time to undertake other duties within the school as may be reasonably expected, without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. This is a common occurrence and would not justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post. The above statement of responsibilities is agreed to be an accurate job description.