Learning Support Assistant SEMH School Thetford

About the role:

Justteachers are working in partnership with a welcoming and supportive SEMH school in Thetford that is seeking an enthusiastic, caring and dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join their team on a full-time, long-term basis, starting in October.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or education professional who is passionate about supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The successful candidate will play an important role within the school, working closely with teachers and the wider support team to provide a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment. You will support pupils both academically and emotionally, helping them develop the confidence, resilience and skills they need to succeed.

The role would suit someone who is patient, calm and consistent, with a genuine passion for supporting pupils who may have experienced challenges within mainstream education. Experience working with SEMH, challenging behaviour or additional needs would be highly beneficial.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support teachers in delivering engaging and purposeful learning activities.
• Provide targeted one-to-one and small-group support to pupils across the curriculum.
• Support pupils with their academic, social and emotional development.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils, providing encouragement and reassurance.
• Help pupils develop confidence, resilience, independence and positive attitudes towards learning.
• Support pupils who may display challenging or dysregulated behaviour using calm and consistent strategies.
• Follow individual support plans and behaviour strategies to meet the needs of pupils.
• Help create a safe, structured, positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Encourage pupils to engage positively with their education and school routines.
• Support pupils with transitions, break times, lunchtime and other day-to-day routines where required.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff and the wider school team.
• Observe and monitor pupil progress, behaviour and wellbeing and communicate relevant information to staff.
• Promote positive behaviour and encourage pupils to develop appropriate social skills.
• Support safeguarding and promote the welfare of all pupils at all times.
• Contribute positively to the wider life of the school.

Pre-requisites:

• Previous experience working with children or young people within a school, education, childcare, care or support setting.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour or additional needs would be highly desirable.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people and helping them reach their full potential.
• A patient, calm, caring and nurturing approach.
• The ability to remain consistent and professional when managing challenging or difficult situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build positive and trusting relationships with pupils.
• An understanding of the importance of safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A flexible, organised and proactive approach.
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A commitment to promoting positive behaviour and inclusive education.
• Two recent education-based references.

This Learning Support Assistant role in Thetford offers an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate individual looking for a full-time, long-term position within a supportive SEMH setting, starting in October.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of pupils who require additional support, helping them to overcome barriers to learning and develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive.

If you are passionate about supporting children and young people, have a calm and nurturing approach and are looking for a rewarding long-term opportunity within an SEMH school, we would love to hear from you.