At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one support for a student with hearing impairment and complex needs.
- Company: Local secondary school with a focus on inclusivity and support.
- Benefits: Long-term role with potential for extension and valuable experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a student's life while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: GCSE English & Maths, experience with complex learning needs, strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working across school and therapy locations, full safeguarding checks required.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Long-term role – until the end of the academic year
Location: Local Secondary School (with off-site therapy travel)
Start: ASAP
Our agency is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Specialist Learning Support Assistant to provide full-time, one-to-one support for a student with complex needs within a secondary school’s specialist hearing-impairment provision. This is a long-term placement running until the end of the academic year, with potential for extension.
The role involves supporting a learner with a combination of hearing loss, communication needs, and developmental/learning differences. The successful candidate will also accompany the student to daily off-site therapy sessions and support their communication and engagement throughout.
Key Responsibilities- One-to-One Learning & Inclusion Support
- Deliver engaging, personalised learning activities and create accessible resources.
- Support communication using a mix of verbal language and sign (BSL/other recognised systems).
- Promote speech, language and communication development.
- Assist with hearing technology such as hearing aids and radio aids.
- Supervise the student during break/lunchtimes, including eating and social interactions.
- Support the student’s mobility (may involve wheelchair assistance).
- Encourage participation in extracurricular and social activities.
- Promote positive behaviour following individual support plans and risk assessments.
- Maintain accurate daily records and share updates with parents and school staff.
- Provide personal care when required.
- Act as a positive role model, promoting high expectations and inclusivity.
- Accompany the student to external therapy sessions with a designated driver/PA.
- Take the lead role during travel, ensuring safety, communication and learning opportunities.
- Support communication and engagement during therapy activities.
- Follow safeguarding procedures and behaviour management strategies in all settings.
- Use planned reactive strategies to manage emotional dysregulation.
- Liaise with therapy providers and parents to plan, review and adapt activities where needed.
- Support deaf/hearing-impaired learners as directed by the resource provision team.
- Communicate lesson content using sign language, simplified language, visuals and written support.
- Deliver pre- and post-learning sessions to reinforce key concepts.
- Keep electronic learning records and contribute to reviews, including EHCP processes.
- Modify written resources and set/mark simple homework tasks.
- Provide feedback to specialist teachers, class teachers and parents.
- Assist with school visits, enrichment and extracurricular activities.
- Use IT effectively for learning and administration tasks.
- Essential
- GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4+)
- Prior experience supporting children or young people with complex learning needs.
- Ability to establish positive, supportive relationships with students.
- Strong communication skills – verbal, written, and ideally using/signing support.
- Ability to follow behaviour support plans and work effectively as part of a wider team.
- Confidence supporting mobility and personal care needs.
- Willingness to travel off-site daily as part of the role.
- Ability to identify learning opportunities, including during travel.
- Strong record-keeping skills.
- Willingness to complete First Aid training.
- Willingness to undertake BSL training if not already qualified.
- Experience supporting deaf or hearing-impaired learners.
- Experience in secondary or specialist education settings.
- Knowledge of hearing equipment.
- BSL Level 1 or above.
- Experience supporting speech, language and communication development.
- Experience supporting learners with Down Syndrome and/or ASC.
Additional Information
The role involves working flexibly across school sites and external therapy locations. You will work collaboratively with a PA/driver and act as the lead support during journeys. Full safeguarding checks (including DBS) will be required due to the nature of the role.
Specialist Learning Support A (Hearing Impairment & Complex Needs) in Oldham employer: Top Marks Education
Contact Detail:
Top Marks Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Learning Support A (Hearing Impairment & Complex Needs) in Oldham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant communities online. Join forums or social media groups focused on learning support and hearing impairment. Engaging in discussions can help you learn more about the field and even lead to job leads.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting students with complex needs. Think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills and compassion—this is what schools want to see!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of resources and job listings tailored for roles like Specialist Learning Support Assistant. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Learning Support A (Hearing Impairment & Complex Needs) in Oldham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with hearing impairment and complex needs. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting students with complex needs shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in learners' lives, so share your motivation and commitment!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Top Marks Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of students with hearing impairments and complex needs. Familiarise yourself with relevant communication methods, like BSL, and be ready to discuss how you would support a learner in various scenarios.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, demonstrate your passion for supporting students with complex needs. Share personal experiences or examples that highlight your empathy and dedication to making a positive impact on their learning journey.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life situations you might encounter in the role. Think through how you would handle challenges, such as managing emotional dysregulation or facilitating communication during therapy sessions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some questions ready that show your interest in the role and the school. Inquire about the support systems in place for staff and how they foster collaboration within the resource team.