Learning Support Assistant in Totnes

We are seeking a committed and reflective Learning Support Assistant to join our school community, working as part of the wider staff team within a newly established SEN Hub (The Bothy), supporting autistic students (Years 7-11) experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). While the provision operates as a specialist space, it is an integral part of KEVICC and plays an important role in supporting our inclusive ethos. The provision aims to re-engage young people with learning, support emotional wellbeing, and develop confidence and resilience. Over time, this may include supported access to aspects of the mainstream curriculum, enrichment opportunities and wider school life. The successful candidate will work under the direction of the SENDCo, the Lead Teacher, and SEND Manager to promote emotional wellbeing and enable students to engage safely and positively with education.

Key Responsibilities

• Support for Students
  • Support individual students and small groups with ASD and EBSA to engage in learning and provision activities.
  • Build positive, trusting and emotionally secure relationships with students.
  • Support students to develop emotional regulation, manage anxiety and participate in learning.
  • Act as a consistent and supportive adult, modelling calm and appropriate behaviour.
• Support for Learning
  • Support the delivery of learning activities as planned by teaching staff.
  • Assist in adapting resources to ensure accessibility for individual needs.
  • Reinforce learning through clarification, repetition and encouragement.
  • Support students to access both Bothy-based and, where appropriate, mainstream learning.
  • Help implement personalised timetables and support bespoke learning pathways.
• Outdoor & Experiential Learning
  • Support outdoor and experiential learning activities as directed by staff.
  • Encourage student participation, confidence and independence in practical activities.
  • Promote safe, positive engagement in all activities.
• Support for Emotional Wellbeing
  • Work in a relational and responsive way, recognising students’ emotional needs.
  • Support the use of autism-informed and trauma-informed strategies as directed by staff.
  • Assist in de-escalation and co-regulation during periods of anxiety or distress.
  • Contribute to a consistent and supportive environment.
• General Support
  • Work as part of a team, following direction from teaching staff and SEND leadership.
  • Share relevant information with colleagues to support student progress and wellbeing.
  • Support supervision of students during breaktimes and movement around the site where required.
  • Support transitions into and out of the provision, including reintegration where appropriate.
• General Duties
  • Undertake duties as reasonably required, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working with children or young people, particularly those with SEND (ASD and/or EBSA desirable).
• Ability to work under direction and as part of a team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, patient and supportive approach.
• Ability to follow guidance and implement agreed strategies.
• Commitment to inclusive, person-centred practice.
• Ability to support learning across a range of activities.

Desirable

• Experience working with students with SEND.
• Awareness of autism and/or emotionally based school avoidance.
• Experience supporting emotional regulation or wellbeing.
• Interest in outdoor learning, creative or practical activities.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to a developing bespoke SEND provision within an inclusive school community.
• A supportive and collaborative team with a strong relational ethos.
• A varied role supporting students with diverse needs.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people.

This document outlines the duties for the time being to indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exclusive list and the duties may be varied from time to time which do not change the general character to the job or the level of responsibility entailed.

Education South West is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. This includes checks with past employers, an online check of publicly available information, including social media, and an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.