At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in their learning and emotional development.
- Company: Join a supportive team in well-established schools across Bristol and Gloucester.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, long-term stability, and access to training opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for recent graduates passionate about education and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people, especially those with special educational needs.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join supportive and well-established schools across Bristol and Gloucester working with children and young people who require additional help to succeed in education. This role is ideal for candidates who have experience working with children or young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), behavioural challenges, or additional learning needs. We are also keen to hear from recent graduates (e.g. Psychology, Education, Criminology, Health & Social Care) who already have relevant, hands-on experience alongside their studies.
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with pupils either 1:1 or in small groups, supporting them academically, socially and emotionally throughout the school day. Pupils may have needs including:
- Autism (ASC)
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)
- ADHD
- Learning difficulties or developmental delays
Your role will be to provide consistent, patient and practical support that helps pupils engage with learning and build confidence.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group learning support
- Assist pupils with classroom tasks and structured activities
- Support emotional regulation, behaviour strategies and routines
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams
- Help implement individual support plans and interventions
- Promote independence, engagement and positive learning behaviours
- Contribute to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment
Who We’re Looking For
This role is suited to candidates who have relevant experience, such as:
- Previous Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant roles
- Experience supporting children in SEN, care or youth work settings
- Behaviour support, mentoring or pastoral experience
- Residential or community support work with young people
We also welcome recent graduates (Psychology, Education, Criminology, etc.) if you have real experience working with children or young people, through paid or meaningful voluntary roles.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience working with children or young people
- A calm, patient and proactive approach
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Confidence supporting learning, behaviour or emotional needs
- Reliability and commitment to a long-term role
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
Desirable (Not Essential)
- SEN or school-based experience
- Understanding of Autism or SEMH
- Team Teach or behaviour-support training
- Experience supporting EHCP targets
What You’ll Receive
- Competitive weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
- Long-term stability in a supportive school setting
- Access to SEN-focused CPD and training
- Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
- Opportunities for permanent roles
- A rewarding role where your experience makes a real difference
Why This Role Appeals to Strong Candidates
This role is ideal if you are:
- Experienced and want your skills to be properly valued
- Looking for a meaningful, long-term position in education
- Passionate about supporting children who need additional help
- Interested in developing within SEN or education
If you have relevant experience and are looking for a high-quality Learning Support Assistant role in Bristol, we’d love to hear from you. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
Learning Support Assistant - Bristol and Gloucester employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant - Bristol and Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to Learning Support Assistants. Think about how you would handle various situations with children, especially those with SEN.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting children with additional needs. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for dedicated individuals like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant - Bristol and Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Learning Support Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience you have with children or young people, especially those with SEN, to show us you're a great fit!
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your strong communication and relationship-building skills shine through. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've supported learning and emotional needs in your previous roles.
Be Genuine and Passionate: Let your passion for supporting children come across in your application. Share why you’re interested in this role and how you can make a difference in the lives of pupils who need that extra help.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your SEN Basics
Familiarise yourself with the key terms and concepts related to Special Educational Needs (SEN). Understanding conditions like Autism, ADHD, and SEMH will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're prepared to support pupils effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children or young people, especially in SEN settings. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've supported learning and emotional needs, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Build Rapport During the Interview
Practice building rapport with your interviewers. Show your calm and patient approach by engaging in friendly conversation. This will reflect your ability to connect with pupils and create a trusting environment, which is crucial for a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the school's approach to supporting students with additional needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school’s values align with yours.