Learning Support Assistant, Level 4 (Qualified) or Level 3 (Unqualified) - Visual Impairment Se[...] in Barry

About Us

The Visual Impairment Team is a highly specialised service supporting children and young people aged 0–25 years old. We provide tailored access to learning and deliver specialist interventions to meet the diverse needs associated with visual impairment. We are a small but expanding team of specialist LSAs supporting children with visual impairments across schools within the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

About The Role

In this role, you will produce accurate, high‑quality Braille and tactile learning materials for children and young people with vision impairment, ensuring full access to the curriculum and meaningful participation in learning. You will work remotely from our base room on a scheduled timetable and provide one‑to‑one support to pupils through tactile resources, Braille, enlarged print, and other adapted materials.

Pay details: Level 4 (SCP 14-19) + Special School Allowance. If the successful applicant does not hold the required qualifications, the post will start at Level 3 (SCP 8-12) until the qualification is gained. Hours: 30 hours – 5 days, Term time only – Permanent.

This role supports children with visual impairments across all schools within the Vale of Glamorgan through the production of vital specialist resources, and acts as a learning and practical assistant during lessons as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Transcribe print materials into Braille (UEB), tactile diagrams, and large print formats.
• Use specialist software and equipment (e.g., Duxbury, Braille embossers, tactile graphic tools).
• Proofread and quality‑check all Braille materials to ensure accuracy and readability.
• Adapt worksheets, textbooks, assessments, and classroom resources to meet individual pupil needs.
• Maintain secure and organised digital and physical files of transcribed materials.
• Liaise with teachers, specialist staff, and external agencies to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Support pupils in accessing Braille materials and using assistive technology.
• Ensure all work complies with safeguarding, data protection, and accessibility standards.
• Maintain a Braille and accessible formats library, including cataloguing, storage, and loan systems.
• Source, order, and manage stock of Braille books, tactile resources, and specialist equipment.
• Oversee the distribution and return of resources to schools, families, and service teams.
• Support the creation of tactile diagrams, accessible textbooks, and modified learning materials.
• Keep accurate records of loans, repairs, replacements, and resource usage.
• Provide guidance to schools and staff on selecting appropriate accessible materials.
• Collaborate with Braille transcribers, teachers, and external providers (RNIB, publishers).
• Ensure compliance with copyright, accessibility legislation, and data protection.
• Be willing and ready to support any children and young people in educational settings when needed.
• Liaise with QTVI or QTMSI and Habilitation specialist to arrange support.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong literacy skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Unified English Braille (UEB) or willingness to undertake accredited training.
• Ability to use specialist transcription software and equipment.
• Understanding of the needs of learners with vision impairment.
• Good organisational and time‑management skills.
• Strong organisational and cataloguing skills.
• Understanding of Braille, large print, and accessible formats.
• Ability to manage stock, track resources, and maintain accurate records.
• Good communication skills when liaising with schools and families.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Braille transcription qualification (or willingness to train – if the successful post holder does not hold the necessary qualifications, the post will start at a Level 3 LSA role until the qualification is achieved, within a two‑year timeframe).
• Experience working in education, libraries, or disability support is desirable.
• Welsh language ability is beneficial but willingness to learn through Vale internal programmes is acceptable.
• Knowledge of tactile graphics production is an advantage.
• Experience working with children or young people with VI/ALN is beneficial.
• Previous and recent experience of working with children in a range of settings, preferably with children with a visual impairment.
• Excellent IT skills, along with experience of working with different software programmes.
• Experience of working with children individually and in groups.
• Experience of working with specialist teachers, providing feedback and evaluations.
• Experience of planning / adapting short activities for pupils.
• Excellent pupil‑teacher relationships.
• Experience of monitoring and assessing pupils’ progress.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Flexible approach to working.
• Full driver’s licence with Business insurance.

You Will Need

• Braille qualification (or willingness to train – if the successful post holder does not hold the necessary qualifications, the post will start at a Level 3 LSA role until the qualification is achieved, within a two‑year timeframe).

Additional Information

• DBS Check Required: Enhanced and Barred – Both.
• EWC Registration Details: Applicants must be registered with the Education Workforce Council before starting work in a school. Registration guidance can be found at www.ewc.wales.
• Contact Sian Fenton – QTVI – sfenton@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk