Position: SEN Learning Support Assistant
Location: Totton, Southampton
Salary: £13.75 per hour
Age Range: 4-18 years, primary and secondary sites nearby
Type: Full-time, Permanent
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Learning Support Assistant to join our team at a specialist school in Totton, Southampton, which caters to children aged 4-18 with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties and disabilities. Many of the students also have additional co-occurring needs such as autism, Down syndrome, and some physical disabilities. As a Learning Support Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting these children throughout their school day, which includes classroom learning, outdoor play, sensory room activities, hydrotherapy sessions in the hydro pool, and supporting with arrival and departure routines, as well as lunch times.
You will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and fulfilling environment, where no two days are the same. Your support will help ensure that each child is able to access the curriculum in a way that best meets their individual needs, contributing to their overall well-being, safety, and development.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide tailored support for students across both primary and secondary school sites, with flexibility for preference on placement between the two.
Support students with a wide range of complex needs, ensuring they are fully included and engaged in all activities.
Collaborate closely with teachers, therapists, and other staff members to develop and implement individualised learning plans and strategies that cater to the students' diverse requirements.
Facilitate the use of school facilities, including sensory rooms and the hydro pool, supporting students in these specialised settings.
Manage students' individual care and emotional needs, ensuring a safe, supportive environment at all times.
Assist students during key daily activities such as lunchtime, transitions, and arrival and departure times, ensuring they are comfortable and well-cared for.
Contribute to maintaining a positive, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment that promotes the best outcomes for students.
The Ideal Candidate:
Previous experience working with children or young people with special educational needs is desirable but not essential.
A compassionate, patient, and proactive approach to working with children with a wide range of complex needs.
Flexibility and willingness to work across both primary and secondary sites (preference for one site may be considered).
A keen interest in engaging with students in various settings, including sensory activities and hydrotherapy sessions.
Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of professionals, including teachers, therapists, and support staff.
A current enhanced Child DBS certificate on the Update Service, or a willingness to obtain one.
Why Join Us?
Competitive hourly rate of £13.75.
The opportunity to work in a fulfilling and rewarding environment, where your contributions will have a direct impact on the lives of children with special educational needs.
Access to outstanding facilities, including sensory rooms and a hydro pool.
A supportive and collaborative team, where your professional growth and development will be encouraged.
Training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in special education.
A dynamic school environment where every day presents new challenges and rewards.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about supporting children with special educational needs and want to make a real difference in their lives, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, highlighting your recent and relevant experience, and one of our team will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website