1:1 Learning Support Assistant

Overview
This job description is indicative of the nature and level of responsibilities associated with the post. It is not intended to be exhaustive; other tasks may be allocated as necessary from time to time. It may be amended at any appropriate time, following consultation between the post holder and a senior colleague, and will be reviewed half-termly.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Build a strong relationship with the pupil, such that they respond appropriately and safely in the event of distress.
• Make a genuine difference to a pupil’s experience in school to ensure they reach their true potential.
• Support the Class Teacher, SENCo and Director of Learning Success in providing a happy, secure, safe and stimulating environment for the pupil.
• Have regard to the School’s statement of aims, policies and schemes of work.
• Liaise with the teaching staff to assist in the monitoring, assessment and recording of this pupil’s social progress systematically, according to the School’s current practice.

General Tasks

• Meet and greet the pupil on entry to school (8am) daily ensuring a calm start to the day.
• Assist in supporting sensory regulation to enable a calm state and readiness for learning.
• Work with the pupil in lessons and interventions, ensuring they remain focused and on task. Offer clarification and assistance when needed.
• Supervise the pupil at break and lunch times, including indoor and outdoor play, promoting safe and calm social interaction with peers.
• Supervise the pupil as required on the school campus, both inside and outside the classroom, and on off-site visits and outings when needed.
• Provide a hand-over to parents at the end of the school day.
• Liaise with parents at least weekly to ensure they are informed regarding successes and challenges faced.
• Keep clear and detailed records of successes and challenges and add these to the school’s information management system.
• Attend assemblies and Chapel Services as required.
• Be available to attend other school events as required.

Knowledge and Understanding

• Have a strong desire to make a genuine difference to a child’s experience in school to ensure they reach their true potential.
• Understand how a pupil’s learning is affected by their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development and understand the stages of child development.
• Be a patient, determined, nurturing and resilient role model with empathy and experience of additional needs to provide appropriate support.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, always displaying initiative and motivation.
• Have a willingness to read and research to learn more about supportive strategies, e.g. zones of regulation.
• Develop a trusting relationship with the child and be willing to develop an in-depth understanding of their needs, including ARFID.
• Engage in training to safely feed the child via a gastrostomy and know what to do in an emergency.
• Competently implement advice and strategies, including therapeutic techniques/strategies and activities shared by external professionals (e.g., SaLT & OT).
• Be familiar with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy and have knowledge of current educational best practice to support pupils with additional needs.

Professional

• Set and maintain high standards of work in supporting teaching and learning, as well as of personal and professional conduct.
• Comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Comply fully with the requirements as set out in the DfE document ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and any relevant supplementary guidance.
• Comply fully with the requirements as set out in the HM Government document ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ and any relevant supplementary guidance.
• Abide by the School’s current systems and structures as outlined in policy documents, including the First Aid and Health, Health and Safety and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies, and take appropriate action in accordance with all such documents as and when necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the pupil’s parents.
• Participate as required in meetings with colleagues and parents in respect of the duties and responsibilities of the post.
• Be punctual and adaptable, and dress in a smart but practical manner.
• Ensure that the principles for the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of the child and the principles of the fundamental British Values are actively promoted.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with any reasonable request in connection with the day-to-day organisation of the pupil in their classroom.

Person Specification

• Teaching Assistant qualification or graduate degree in a relevant field.

Skills and experience

• Evidence of recent involvement in supporting pre-school and/or primary-aged pupils with additional needs.
• Understanding of how to meet the needs of a pupil with SEN.
• Effective communication, listening and written skills.

Knowledge

• Sound understanding of safeguarding principles.
• Sound knowledge of childhood development.
• Knowledge of current good practice for pre-school and/or primary-aged pupils.

Personal attributes

• Ability to form and maintain positive relationships.
• Sensitivity to others and the ability to work co-operatively.
• Sympathy with the Christian ethos and activities of the school.
• A professional manner and appearance.

All members of staff are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to, and ensure compliance with, the School’s child protection procedures and staff guidance at all times. The School is an equal opportunities employer.

Further information for candidates

The Blue Coat School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Blue Coat School is an Independent Day Preparatory School offering an outstanding educational experience to over 700 boys and girls, aged 3 to 11 years. Occupying a beautiful site in Edgbaston, in 15 acres of playing fields and gardens, it is a thriving community where children achieve great things, not just academically but in all areas. Our extensive Co-Curricular programme offers opportunities beyond the classroom and nurtures well-rounded children, preparing them for life beyond Blue Coat.

Originally set up as a charity school 'for the purpose of maintaining poor children' in the centre of Birmingham, BCS relocated to Harborne in 1930 and has since become one of the largest IAPS Prep Schools in the country. A generous Bursary scheme continues to offer the opportunity of a Blue Coat education to all.

Founded by the Church of England, Chapel life remains a big part of the weekly school routine and Prep parents and staff join Chaplain for a weekly service. Meanwhile in Pre-Prep, Chaplain leads a weekly assembly for the children. Our diverse school community is representative of the local area and welcomes pupils of all faiths and none. Respect and multicultural understanding are fostered through our BCS Values which promote patience, respect and kindness. The Blue Coat School is a stimulating and rewarding place to work, in the company of enthusiastic and dedicated staff. It has excellent resources, which are used to provide enjoyable and imaginative learning.

In 2025, The Blue Coat School was a finalist for the Independent Prep School of the Year. In 2020, our unique e-assessment programme, The BCS Blue, was also short-listed for the TES Strategic Education Initiative of the Year and we were recognised as one of the country’s top 25 schools in the i25 Awards. Pupils consistently achieve outstanding results and they are well prepared for senior school entrance examinations. Many progress with the top scholarship offers to the region’s most renowned senior schools including the Independent and Grammar Schools of the King Edward VI Foundation, Solihull School, Edgbaston High School for Girls and Bromsgrove School.

Our community ethos is very strong, and we maintain the highest expectations of the interpersonal relationships between pupils and between the staff and children. We aim to produce happy, polite and successful young people. The co-curricular programme at Blue Coat is rich and varied.

The successful applicant will be expected to ensure that the excellent standards of the school are maintained. Further details of the post are set out in the job description and person specification.

Recruitment Process

Applications must be made via My New Term. Shortlisted candidates will attend a formal interview. There will also be an opportunity to tour the school. At the interview, applicants must provide original documents to confirm their identity and right to work in the UK. They must also bring proof of qualifications where relevant for the post. The documentation required by applicants is listed in the Recruitment Policy which is available on the school website and from the School.

The post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (including a Barred List check), a satisfactory online check, a satisfactory medical fitness declaration and satisfactory references. Confidential references will be sought prior to interview.