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- Tasks: Support secondary students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a small, dedicated SEND school in Portsmouth focused on student growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy in-house training opportunities and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or care, with a compassionate and proactive approach required.
- Other info: Full-time commitment needed; own transport is essential due to the rural location.
Learning Support Assistant – SEMH Provision (Portsmouth)
Make sure to read the full description below, and please apply immediately if you are confident you meet all the requirements.
Hourly Rate: £13.75 | Ages 5–16
We are recruiting a Learning Support Assistant to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within a school that operates across multiple sites in Portsmouth. This is a varied and hands-on role, perfect for someone who enjoys working creatively and flexibly to meet individual needs.
The role:
Pupils you support may experience school avoidance and require a more personalised approach to learning. Your work will take place both in school and off-site, helping pupils to:
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Rebuild confidence in education
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Complete structured time within school settings
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Engage in learning through practical and activity-based sessions
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Develop coping strategies, emotional regulation, and positive routines
Support is always tailored, with a strong focus on wellbeing, relationships, and engagement rather than traditional classroom learning alone.
Who we’re looking for:
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A patient, supportive, and resilient individual
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Ideally a driver, as travel between sites is required
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Someone confident working 1:1 or in small groups
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Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Experience & training:
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No previous LSA or school experience required
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Backgrounds in youth work, sports coaching, mentoring, care, or similar fields are highly desirable
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Full training, guidance, and ongoing support provided
What you’ll receive:
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Competitive pay of £13.75 per hour
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A role that makes a genuine difference to young lives
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Supportive working environment
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Opportunity to gain valuable experience in SEMH and alternative education
If you’re passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and re-engage with learning in a supportive, flexible setting, this could be the role for you.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
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. xiskglj Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website
Learning Support Assistant employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Understanding the challenges they face will help you demonstrate your passion and commitment during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Learning Support Assistants to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information to discuss in your interview, showing that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you would use to support students in a classroom setting. Think about how you would implement lesson plans and adapt them to meet individual needs, as this will highlight your practical skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to professional development by researching training opportunities related to SEND. Mentioning these in your conversation can demonstrate your dedication to growing within the role and contributing positively to the school environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Learning Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the needs of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in education or care settings. Be specific about your roles and how they relate to supporting students with SEND.
Show Your Passion: Express your passion for working with young people and your commitment to helping them reach their full potential. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your proactive and compassionate approach.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Show Your Passion for SEND
Make sure to express your genuine passion for supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your previous experience in education or care settings. Be specific about your roles and responsibilities, and how they relate to the position of Learning Support Assistant. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with teachers and other LSAs, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in a team to support students or achieve common goals.
✨Prepare Questions About Professional Development
Show your interest in growth by preparing thoughtful questions about the in-house training opportunities mentioned in the job description. This not only shows your eagerness to learn but also helps you assess if the school aligns with your career aspirations.
