Learning Support Assistant

We are a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Responsibilities

• Must have worked with pupils who are autistic and have previous experience of this.
• Needs to be able to communicate in a variety of ways as 70% of our pupils are non-verbal e.g. can use Makaton, picture display symbols - we use PEC's and PODD, have experience working with non-verbal pupils.
• Have worked with pupils who display challenging behaviour but would have the will and desire to support pupils to manage their behaviour and also for you to work to understand the function of the behaviour.
• Be flexible to work with pupils from 4 through to 11 years old.
• Be able to think outside the box in regards to delivering lessons.
• Have an awareness of autism strategies such as TEACCH, attention autism and use of PODD and be able to use these in practice.
• Be able to connect with our pupils because of your can do attitude, teamwork and willingness to help others.
• Ideally you'll have experience working in a classroom, but if not, we can provide you with all the relevant training.
• Your genuine passion for supporting children to learn and the impact it can have on their lives.
• Your enthusiasm and expertise to support the teacher and work closely with our therapists.

About Lavender Lodge School and Witherslack Group

Lavender Lodge school resides within an 18th Century building in the heart of Mitcham. Our pupils come from many different boroughs to attend our school and are lucky to experience a life changing love of learning. We are proud of our pupils and our dedicated team and pupils leave us with a sense of achievement. Having joined the Witherslack Group family in 2022, Lavender Lodge School is an independent specialist day school providing high-quality education, based in South London. The school meets the needs of pupils with a primary diagnosis of autism and additional needs such as ADHD, speech and language difficulties, sensory issues and associated behavioural difficulties. We were recently recognised as Good by Ofsted.

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference—especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we'll be there every step of the way. By building a diverse and inclusive team, we're better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

Safeguarding and Diversity

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Benefits

• We know you're going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector.
• With us, you'll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people.
• Training: A full induction and on the job training.
• Holiday: You'll work hard at WG, so you'll be rewarded with full school holidays.
• Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group.
• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance.
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance.
• Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician's or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts.
• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities.
• A recommended friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time.
• Contributory pension (matched up to 5%).
• Bring your whole-self to work.