At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs in a vibrant learning environment.
- Company: A dedicated SEN school in Thurrock focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team and grow your skills in a rewarding role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience as an LSA or SEN Teaching Assistant and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs? Do you have the skills, patience, and enthusiasm to support pupils in reaching their full potential? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
About the Role:
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Learning Support Assistant to join our vibrant and supportive SEN school in Thurrock. You will be working closely with teachers, therapists, and other specialists to deliver personalised learning opportunities for pupils with a range of additional needs—including ASD, MLD, SLD, SEMH, and complex communication needs.
What You’ll Do:
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support tailored to individual learning plans
- Assist pupils in developing communication, social, and emotional skills
- Create a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment
- Use a range of strategies and resources to support diverse learning needs
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff and external professionals
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and families
What We’re Looking For:
- Previous experience as an LSA or SEN Teaching Assistant
- A solid understanding of SEND and effective support strategies
- Excellent communication, empathy, and behaviour-support skills
- Ability to remain calm, flexible, and proactive
- A genuine passion for helping children thrive
- Relevant training (e.g. Autism awareness, Team Teach, PECs, Makaton) is highly desirable
If you’re motivated, compassionate, and ready to make a positive impact, we would love to welcome you to our team.
LSA - Thurrock employer: Timeplan Education Group
Join a dedicated team at our specialist secondary school in Rochdale, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our staff to make a real difference in the lives of students with special educational needs. We offer competitive daily rates, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment that fosters personal growth and job satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land LSA - Thurrock
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Timeplan Education Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Timeplan Education Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Timeplan Education Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Timeplan Education Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace LSA - Thurrock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Timeplan Education Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Timeplan Education Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Timeplan Education Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
