What skills and experience we're looking for
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate resilience, initiative, patience and a passion for working with and assisting young people with a vision impairment to learn and achieve their full potential within the mainstream secondary school.
There will be good opportunities for personal progression andprevious experience is not essential, as full training will be given in all aspects of this role.
The VI Learning Support Assistant is required to:
1. Provide support for pupils with a vision impairment within the classroom.Full training will be given.
2. Prepare/modify resources for pupils with a vision impairment andfull training will be givenon this
which will include:
• the modification of large print materials using Microsoft Office software within a specific subject area, designed to meet individual needs and in co-operation with the subject and specialist teachers of the vision impaired
• Adapt diagrams for large print and tactile users.
• Re-align original text for photocopy enlargement
• Modify text to braille(once training has been completed)
3. Support the social and emotional development of pupils with a vision impairment
4. Assist and support pupils with a vision impairment to fully integrate into a mainstream secondary school
5.Candidates must have proven literacy and numeracy skills, equivalent to GCSE grade C and above.
6. Be a strong team player as a member of an established support team, working towards the full integration of pupils with a vision impairment.
7. Work independently and with initiative.
8. Work alongside the class teacher in the support of pupil(s) with a vision impairment.
9. Support in alternative study periods/curricular activities for individual pupils, in the development of their whole school independence, helping to raise standards of achievement.
10. Occasionally support pupils with a vision impairment on out-of-hours educational visits, sporting locations etc.
11. Invigilate internal and external exams under the JCQ examination guidelines.Full training will be given on this.
12. Be professionally discrete and able to respect confidentiality on all issues.
13. Have a professional and positive attitude at all times.
14. Have good communication skills and able to clarify and explain instructions clearly.
15. Understand the implications of individual pupil’s vision impairment.
16. Have well-developed interpersonal skills and a sense of humour to support positive working relationships within the school environment.
17. Support individual pupils in the development to achieve their personal best and have the ability to motivate and encourage pupils appropriately, whilst adhering to the professional approach.
18. Provide written contributions for reports, PIPs (Personalised Information Plan) and EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan) reviews. Full training will be given on this.
19. Provide on-going feedback to the Manager of the Resource for effective support of individuals.
20. Assist in the keeping of records and the maintenance of materials and equipment.
21. Attend weekly VI Team Meetings, full staff meetings and Curriculum Team Meetings when necessary.
22. Undertake any duties, which may reasonably be regarded as within the duties of the post as defined.
What the school offers its staff
The VILSA will be given the opportunity to develop specific skills in an identified area of the curriculum. There will be an opportunity should you wish to learn Braille and acquire a qualification.
Training will be ongoing and there will be many opportunities to increase personal knowledge and professional development in the education and social and emotional support of pupils with a vision impairment, to achieve their full potential within a mainstream school setting.
Toynbee School is an expanding school with consistently high achievement and progress across all subjects. The school was categorized as ‘Good’ by OFSTED in November 2024.
The school is situated in Chandlers Ford with easy access to the M3 and M27. Visits to the school are welcomed.
Please visit our website: for an Candidate Application Pack or contact 02380269026 or email: recruitment@toynbee.hants.sch.uk
CVs will not be considered, only applications made using the Support Staff Application Form can be accepted.
Candidates should submit completed application forms to recruitment@toynbee.hants.sch.uk
Toynbee School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
Closing Date:12th March 2025
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.