Learning Support Assistant

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT

CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term- until end June 2025
CONTRACT DURATION: 2024/25 School Year (38 weeks which is 190 days).
STATUS: 27.5 hours per week. Fewer hours may be available.
GRADE SCALE: NJC POINT 5. £23 500 per annum (pro rata based on weeks and hours worked).
INTERVIEW DATE: Interviews planned for Wednesday 11 June 2024
RESPONSIBLE TO: Assistant Principal (SENCO).

JOB DESCRIPTION:

A. Supporting the Pupils

1. Drawing on knowledge of various forms of special needs, to develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupils concerned.

2. Taking into account the special needs involved, to aid the pupils to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on his/her own by, for example:

• clarifying and explaining instructions;
• ensuring pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided;
• motivating and encouraging pupils as required;
• assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development e.g. language, behaviour, reading, spelling handwriting/presentation etc;
• helping pupils to concentrate on and finish work set;
• meeting physical needs as required whilst encouraging independence;
• promoting the independence of the child to enhance learning;
• liaising with class teacher devising complementary learning activities.

3. To establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.

4. To encourage acceptance and integration of the pupils with special needs.

5. To develop methods of promoting/reinforcing the pupils’ self-worth.

6. Attending to the personal needs of the pupils e.g. toilet management.

B. Supporting the Teacher

1. To assist with class teacher (and other professionals as appropriate), in the development of a suitable programme of support for the pupils with special needs.

2. In conjunction with the class teacher and/or other professionals to develop a system of recording the pupils’ progress.

3. To contribute to the maintenance of the pupils’ progress records.

4. To participate in the evaluation of the support programme.

5. To provide regular feedback about the pupils to the teacher.

C. Supporting the School

1. Where appropriate, to develop a relationship to foster links between home and school.

2. To liaise, advise and consult with other members of the team supporting the pupils when asked to do so.

3. To contribute to reviews of the pupils’ progress.

4. To attend relevant in-service training.

5. To be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and to keep confidences appropriately.

Any other tasks as directed by the Principal which suit the needs of the school

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Personal Qualities

• High motivation
• Prepared to be committed to the ethos and values of Rainey Endowed School
• Confidentiality is of utmost importance
• A caring and sensitive nature
• A reasonable level of physical fitness

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Organisation and planning
• Ability to use Information Technology effectively
• Interpersonal skills required to form and maintain effective working relationships with the staff, pupils and parents of the pupil
• Ability to work under own initiative and to see any work set through to completion
• The ability to work in harmony with other members of staff

Essential Criteria

• 5 GCSE/O Levels or equivalent at Grades A*-C (including English and Mathematics) or equivalent
• Paid experience of working with children/vulnerable adults
• A willingness to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching & Learning in Schools (or equivalent)

Desirable Criteria

• An approved Child Care qualification
• Two years’ relevant paid experience working with a pupil with Special Educational Needs

Please note that the Board of Governors of Rainey Endowed School reserve the right to enhance any or all of the essential or desirable criteria; and/or apply any or all of the desirable criteria; and/or not appoint to the post.

The successful applicant will be asked to provide £32 for the Enhanced Access NI Check to be carried out prior to taking up the post

For an application form, click the DOWNLOAD icon.

For a monitoring form, please see the Additional Documents section below.

Completed applications must be returned by 10.00 am on Monday 3rd June 2024.