Learning Support Assistant –Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) in Leeds

Connect is our academy’s specialist, nurturing pathway for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Purpose-built and highly resourced, it offers a calm, structured environment where pupils receive personalised support to re-engage with learning and rebuild confidence. The provision includes two dedicated learning rooms, each led by an Inclusion Leader who ensures consistency, aspiration and a positive climate for growth. Oversight comes from the Connect Manager, who drives the strategic vision and maintains high-quality support across the team. You’ll be joining a committed group of five colleagues, all working together to deliver a cohesive, specialist offer for our learners. Connect provides an adapted curriculum, targeted interventions and exceptional pastoral care to help students overcome barriers, develop key social and emotional skills, and prepare for a successful return to mainstream lessons. In this role, you’ll be central to that mission. Working closely with the Inclusion Leader, Connect Manager and teaching staff, you’ll help create a safe, encouraging space where pupils feel understood and supported. Your work will include guiding emotional regulation, promoting engagement, supporting daily routines and delivering tailored activities that make a real difference. This is a rewarding opportunity to champion some of our most vulnerable learners through a compassionate, relationship‑driven approach—giving every student the tools they need to thrive.

Responsibilities

• Support for Students

• Provide day-to-day support for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within the Connect provision.
• Build positive, trusting and professional relationships to promote emotional regulation, resilience and engagement in learning.
• Support students to develop key routines, independence and self-management skills.
• Implement individual support strategies as directed, including SEMH-focused interventions and behaviour-regulation approaches.
• Assist students in accessing an adapted curriculum through scaffolded learning tasks, 1:1 support, and small-group work.
• Promote and reinforce positive behaviour, using de-escalation techniques and restorative approaches where appropriate.

• Work collaboratively with the Inclusion Leader in the room to ensure a calm, structured and purposeful learning environment.
• Prepare, adapt and organise learning resources to meet pupils’ individual needs.
• Support the delivery of tailored activities and interventions designed to re-engage learners and build confidence.
• Monitor pupil engagement and progress, providing feedback to the Inclusion Leader and Connect Manager.
• Assist with the implementation of personalised plans, including Individual Support Plans, Pupil Passports and relevant strategies and intervention outlined in Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

• Contribute to maintaining a safe, nurturing and consistent environment across the Connect provision.
• Support the smooth running of routines such as transitions, breakfast club, entry/exit procedures and structured breaks.
• Record observations, pastoral notes and relevant information accurately and promptly using school systems.
• Work collaboratively with the wider Connect team of five staff members to ensure shared expectations and consistent practice.
• Assist in maintaining an organised, well-resourced and welcoming learning space.

• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism and safeguarding standards at all times.
• Participate in training related to SEMH, trauma-informed practice, de-escalation and Special Education Needs and Disabilities support (SEND).
• Engage in regular team briefings, supervision and reflection meetings to support high-quality practice.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the Connect provision by sharing insights, ideas and good practice.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, specialist staff, and other professionals to support student outcomes.
• Develop strong relationships with students, acting as a positive role model and upholding high expectations with high support.
• Liaise sensitively and effectively with families, attending meetings and providing updates as required.

• Assist with preparing, maintaining, and using specialist equipment and resources (e.g. overlays, writing boards).
• Support in exam settings by acting as a scribe, reader, or invigilator as required.
• Provide personal assistance during physical or practical activities (e.g. PE, cookery, school visits).
• Supervise students during off-site trips or extra-curricular activities as required.
• Attend training, meetings, and learning activities to support ongoing development in the Learning Support Assistant role.
• Understand and comply with safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, and data protection policies.
• Recognise personal strengths and areas for development and support colleagues as needed.
• Uphold and model the academy’s Core Values in all interactions.

Commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check. Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability.