Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in Bristol

We are currently recruiting for Learning Support Assistants (LSA) to support students with special educational needs, including those who have physical disabilities, autism, hearing and visual impairments, and social and emotional needs including challenging behaviour. Within our Learning Support Department we have a team of LSAs that are valued members of the school community and carry out vital roles. They are respected for the expertise they bring to their area of work.

The post is full time Monday to Friday (8.15am to 3.15pm). LSAs work term time only, including 5 INSET days. The salary range is Bristol Grade 6 (BG6) £25,183 rising to £25,584 (gross per annum paid pro rata plus holiday pay). The contract is fixed term initially until 31 August 2026 and is subject to a 6-month probationary period. Applications for part time work may be considered. Please make your request clear on your application form.

Our SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator) manages the LSA team, supported by two Deputy SENDCos and two specialist teachers. LSAs are expected to undertake a 30-minute duty during the school lunch break. These duties include working with students and lunchtime supervision in the Learning Support Base and wider school.

Our ideal candidate will have good communication skills, be able to work under their own initiative and as part of a whole school team. We offer excellent professional development opportunities in the department and are fully committed to enabling new and existing staff to explore training courses for self-progression. We would particularly welcome applicants who have experience of supporting students with hearing impairment, social emotional and mental health needs, and learning difficulties. We are also keen to receive applications from creative, dynamic graduates who are keen to develop their skills in a school setting before pursuing a career in teaching.

SMRT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and so safeguarding checks will be undertaken as part of the recruitment and selection process. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be expected to undertake an enhanced Criminal Disclosure. We welcome applicants regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or religion. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

The School St Mary Redcliffe and Temple (SMRT) is a successful and heavily oversubscribed 11-18 co-educational, Church of England, comprehensive school of over 1750 students, serving families from the whole of greater Bristol and beyond. We are located at the heart of the city and have a diverse student community with considerable parental support. Our diversity is a strength and something we celebrate. The Redcliffe Sixth Form Centre currently houses approximately 700 students from our own school and from many other schools across the City.

Application Process Please be aware that we will review applications as they are received and reserve the right to close this advert at any time before the end of the academic year. Candidates must complete our application form and return it as a Word document using the email address in our covering letter. Please ensure that you complete all parts of the application form, including the additional information section. It is particularly important that you include your personal details so that we can contact you. We recommend that you complete your application on a PC or laptop, and not on a mobile device.

When providing details of your referees you must include their e-mail address. References must span the last 5 years of employment history in accordance with KCSIE guidance. Please include a referee from your current post (principal or headteacher where applicable) and if you have worked in multiple settings in this 5-year period, you should have included a referee from each setting.

St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School and the Redcliffe Sixth Form Centre (SMRT) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding checks will be undertaken as part of the recruitment and selection process. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.