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- Tasks: Support children with SEMH needs through creative and flexible learning approaches.
- Company: Dynamic school environment focused on wellbeing and engagement.
- Benefits: Earn £13.75 per hour while making a real difference in young lives.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and help young people re-engage with education.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; backgrounds in youth work or mentoring are a plus.
- Other info: Full training provided, with potential for permanent roles in the future.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
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:
- Rebuild confidence in education
- Complete structured time within school settings
- Engage in learning through practical and activity-based sessions
- Develop coping strategies, emotional regulation, and positive routines
Who we’re looking for:
- A patient, supportive, and resilient individual
- Ideally a driver, as travel between sites is required
- Someone confident working 1:1 or in small groups
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Experience & training:
- No previous LSA or school experience required
- Backgrounds in youth work, sports coaching, mentoring, care, or similar fields are highly desirable
- Full training, guidance, and ongoing support provided
What you’ll receive:
- Competitive pay of £13.75 per hour
- A role that makes a genuine difference to young lives
- Supportive working environment
- 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. 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’.
Support in Learning in Portsmouth employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support in Learning in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research the SEMH provision and understand how they support students. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school culture, which can give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since strong relationship-building is key for this role, consider role-playing common scenarios you might face as a Learning Support Assistant. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a positive impact on young lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Support in Learning in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. We want to see why you're passionate about helping those with SEMH needs and how you can make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it’s not directly in a school setting. Whether it's youth work, sports coaching, or mentoring, we want to know how your background can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what a Learning Support Assistant does, especially in a SEMH context. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health challenges, and think about how your skills can help them.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Even if you don’t have direct experience as a Learning Support Assistant, highlight relevant experiences from youth work, sports coaching, or mentoring. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in overcoming challenges.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. During the interview, practice active listening and respond thoughtfully. You might be asked to role-play scenarios, so be prepared to show how you would engage with a child needing support.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility and Patience
This role requires a creative and flexible approach. Be ready to discuss how you adapt your methods to meet individual needs and how you maintain patience in challenging situations. Share any strategies you’ve used to build rapport with young people.
