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- Tasks: Support a Year 7 student with their learning and emotional well-being in a mainstream school.
- Company: Join Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust, a caring and inclusive educational community.
- Benefits: Flexible job share options, training provided, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a student's life while developing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND or a strong interest in supporting young people is preferred.
- Other info: Work in a bespoke inclusion centre with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust is a large new Catholic Multi Academy Trust situated in the northern half of the Catholic Diocese of Northampton formed by the merger of three former Catholic Trusts in February 2020. The Trust currently leads and manages ten catholic primary schools located across the geographical area of Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire and two Catholic secondary schools - Thomas Becket in Northampton and St Thomas More in Bedford.
We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and highly motivated Learning Support Assistant to join our inclusion team at St Thomas More Catholic Secondary School. This role will involve working 1:1 with a Year 7 student with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), supporting their learning, emotional regulation and well-being within a mainstream secondary school setting. You will be based in Emmaus, our bespoke, purpose-built inclusion centre, while also supporting the student to access lessons and wider school life as appropriate.
This is a highly relational role, requiring patience, empathy and a flexible, child-centred approach. The ideal candidate will have experience of working with autistic young people, particularly those with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile, and will understand the importance of a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming approach. However, full training will be provided for the right candidate, and we welcome applications from individuals who demonstrate the right values, attitude and willingness to learn.
Requirements:- Has experience in a school, SEND, or care setting (or a strong interest in this area)
- Has an understanding of autism and PDA-informed approaches, or a willingness to develop this
- Uses a trauma-informed and relational approach
- Is flexible, reflective and able to adapt support moment by moment
- Can foster positive relationships with students, staff and families
- Has a good standard of English and maths
The role will also be considered as a job share, allowing for flexibility while ensuring consistent, high-quality support for the student.
Learning Support Assistant (1:1 EHCP Support) employer: St Thomas More Catholic School
Contact Detail:
St Thomas More Catholic School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant (1:1 EHCP Support)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interpersonal skills! Since this role is all about building relationships, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported someone or adapted your approach to meet their needs. Be ready to share these stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your willingness to learn! If you don’t have direct experience with autism or PDA, don’t sweat it. Highlight your eagerness to develop these skills and mention any relevant training or resources you’ve explored. It shows you're proactive and committed!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our platform, as it helps us keep track of candidates. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you’re up-to-date with any additional information or updates about the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant (1:1 EHCP Support)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, especially when it comes to working with those who have special educational needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's in a school, SEND, or care setting. If you've worked with autistic young people or have an understanding of PDA, shout about it! We love seeing how your background aligns with our values.
Be Relatable: This role is all about building relationships, so use your application to showcase your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've connected with students or colleagues in the past, and how you’ve adapted your approach to meet individual needs.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and free from jargon. Use straightforward language to convey your thoughts, and don’t forget to proofread for any sneaky typos before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Thomas More Catholic School
✨Know Your Stuff About SEND
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), especially autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches, as this will show that you’re genuinely interested in supporting the student’s needs.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and empathy in previous roles. Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully built relationships with students or colleagues, as this is key for a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Flexibility is crucial in this role. Prepare to discuss how you can adapt your support strategies based on the student's changing needs. You might even want to think of a few scenarios where you had to change your approach on the spot.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the school. You could ask about the inclusion centre, the team dynamics, or how they support staff development. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the role.
