Learning Support Assistant

Blackstone Education are currently working with a SEN School based in West Sussex who are recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant.

Salary Scale: Actual Salary will be dependant upon experience, relevant qualifications, time in post and responsibility taken

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8.45 - 16.15 with a half hour paid break each day. You are required to work 40 weeks of the year which includes 5 days INSET and 5 directed training days.

Overview of post:

The postholder will work directly with children and young people with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum (ASD) within an age-phase department (secondary or post 16). LSAs have a varied role within the classroom and school including assisting the teacher, working with individuals or groups of children, organising and running some activities and producing displays and resources.

Senior LSAs take on additional responsibilities within the team, including greater involvement in assessment, planning, recording, monitoring and reporting for students, providing support and advice to team members on practices and procedures and participating in induction training for new staff.

Main Responsibilities and Expectations:

• KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
  Knowledge and understanding of the needs of students with ASD, and of the National Curriculum.
• PLANNING AND SETTING EXPECTATIONS
  Contribute to the day-to-day delivery of the Curriculum. Undertake effective preparation and planning in accordance with the schools assessment systems.
• TEACHING AND MANAGING PUPIL LEARNING AND CARE
  Work under the direction of the teacher to support individual students or groups of students to achieve the targets set for them. Contribute to the planning, organisation and delivery of a range of educational and work-related experiences for the students. Share responsibility with the teacher for the physical care of students.
• ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
  Contribute to the continuous assessment of needs and the monitoring of progress and achievement in accordance with the schools assessment systems.
• PUPIL ACHIEVEMENT
  Maintain accurate records to ensure that Records of Achievement and all pupil records effectively demonstrate achievement and progress.
• RELATIONS WITH PARENTS AND WIDER COMMUNITY
  Act as Link Worker for a number of named students, maintain regular, effective communication with parents and carers.
• MANAGING OWN PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
  Evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of your practice and take responsibility for your own professional development. Undertake in-house and external training on any areas of work deemed appropriate by the school Leadership Team.
• MANAGING AND DEVELOPING STAFF AND OTHER ADULTS
  Promote good practice in all areas of classroom organisation and curriculum delivery, guide and support new or inexperienced staff members and volunteers.
• MANAGING RESOURCES
  Take substantial responsibility for the maintenance of the classroom environment, including significant emphasis on display and on the presentation of students work and file records.
  Manage effectively any resources that may be delegated to you, promote the efficient use of resources and contribute to the maintenance of a safe working environment for staff and students.
• STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
  Provide a role model for students and newer or less experienced staff and contribute to the continual development of the service by offering suggestions for improvements.
  

Additional Requirements for Senior LSA Posts:

• Participate in the induction and training of new staff, acting as guide and mentor, demonstrating routines and procedures and providing a model of professional practice
• Maintain a secure understanding of school, departmental and class group policies, practices and procedures in order to support other team members in their work
• Support the teachers in the formulation and dissemination of department policies, practices and procedures.
• Provide ongoing support and advice to all team members on all aspects of the LSA role
• Take a leading role in supporting other staff in organising classroom duties, providing practical support and helping delegate tasks for areas such as display, storage, filing, the production and maintenance of learning resources, etc
• Support teachers and other team members in the maintenance of detailed records of students needs and progress in all areas of the curriculum. Provide a role model and practical support to other team members on assessment procedures.
• Complete needs assessments, risk assessments and behavioural assessments and other student relating paperwork according to school and departmental policy. Provide a role model and practical support to other team members on policies, practices and procedures in these areas.
• Maintain regular formal and informal contact with parents/carers through structured weekly emails using School Post and, where required, telephone discussions, and support and advise other team members on these issues
• Support teachers in writing accurate reports on students progress within the curriculum for a range of purposes including statutory Annual Review
• Be prepared to run small groups or 1-1 sessions with students

Essential and Desirable experience:

• The post holder must have GCSE grade A-C (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• The post holder must have Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support in Teaching & Learning or an equivalent qualification. If this is not held they must be prepared to commence the training within 4 months of the commencement of their employment
• A clean current driving licence is desirable
• Experience of working with children and young people, especially those with special educational needs

Candidates must demonstrate some knowledge of:

• Special Educational Needs (SEN), especially ASD
• Issues of child protection & safeguarding
• Issues of anti-discrimination, disability rights and equal opportunities practices
• Key aspects of Health and Safety at work

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Fulfil the requirements of the Job Description.
• Work creatively and flexibly with students with special educational needs to promote autonomy, independence, personal development and employability for all students
• Follow instructions and work within policy guidelines in all areas of work
• Work punctually and reliably
• Work the hours required to fulfil the role effectively
• Communicate clearly to a range of other people
• Produce accurate and legible written material to meet deadlines
• Use, maintain and produce teaching resources as required
• Carry out physical interventions as required according to in-service training
• Contribute to the assessment, planning and monitoring of individual learning programmes for students
• Form and promote positive relationships with staff, students, parents, the local community and outside agencies
• Organise workload and manage own time effectively

Please APPLY now or contact Kirsty at Blackstone on 0203 146 9848 for further information!