Learning Support Assistant

Purpose of the Job:

The Learning Support Assistant’s role is to be part of a team in providing the highest possible standard of educational support and care to children and young people with a range of special educational needs, and in particular, autism spectrum condition. The role involves encouraging and enabling the children and young people to pursue a valued lifestyle by participating in meaningful daily activities, supporting the well-being and development of skills as well as enhancing and promoting independence, choices, and rights within a safe and caring environment. The Learning Support Worker role may require an element of personal care and at times will require the use of redirection or physical intervention as a last resort, with those presenting with behaviours of concern.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Working with Students

• To be prepared to work throughout the school, with any student, showing the ability to adapt to differing environments within the school and to the needs of different children.
• An understanding of, and commitment to furthering the aims of the school.
• To assist students, as directed by the teaching staff ensuring continuity of approach and educational support
• To respond to the dynamic situations that may arise in the students’ day to day school life and environment.
• To promote and encourage inclusion of the student within the school setting, with their peers and within the community where appropriate
• To supervise the students during the morning and lunchtime break, either in a group setting or in the student’s classroom and to assist the student in his or her lunchtime leisure and play activities.
• To promote and participate in maintaining a safe, aesthetic and comfortable environment for the student, in line with Camphill values and practices.
• To maintain an awareness of how students learn and the various factors which affect their learning.
• To assist the student with intimate care needs where required.
• To have knowledge and understanding of students' medical needs and administer a range of prescribed/emergency medication where trained to do so.
• To assist the students to learn and develop as effectively as possible by role modelling, using appropriate communication strategies, motivating and encouraging the students, meeting their needs and enhancing learning whilst encouraging independence
• The ability to keep written records and support the development of students’ skills with confidence.
• To accompany students’ and teachers on educational visits and trips during contracted hours.
• To use a range of support methods and resources, including ICT, appropriate to the needs of individuals and groups, as directed by the teacher/tutor.
• To work with individual students and groups, under the direction of the class teacher, introducing tasks, monitoring students’ work and using a range of strategies to support their learning.
• To establish a supportive relationship with the students and maintain professional boundaries at all times
• To respect the confidentiality of student information and respond sensitively to students' needs.
• To accompany students’ and teachers on educational visits and trips during contracted hours.

Assisting the Teaching Staff

• To support the school’s aims and ethos.
• To supervise and take initiative in activities and set up various items of apparatus for the student if and when required.
• To develop and understanding of the specific needs of the student, follow the student’s Personal Learning Plan, Care Plan and Behavior Support Plans and report any changes in, or concerns about the student’s progress to the appropriate person.
• To have knowledge of and implement the students’ Positive Behaviour Support plans, where these are in place
• To deal with students with behaviour of concern using the appropriate Positive Behaviour Support and Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies and skills. These skills include the use of physical intervention skills you will have been trained in if successful as a last resort.
• To help prepare and maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment for learning.
• To ensure robust and detailed communication and regular feedback about the students to the Class Teacher to discuss students’ progress and to plan and review support.
• To ensure appropriate documentation is completed in a timely and professional manner i.e. daily logs, home to school transition book
• To maintain confidentiality at all times and not gossip about students and/or colleagues
• To support the organisation of the learning environment, including the production, maintenance and storage of resources.
• To undertake other similar duties commensurate with the grade, provided that such duties are within the competence of the post-holder.

Whole School Support and Quality Development

• To be aware of and follow all statutory policies and procedures
• To be aware of and act in accordance with Camphill Community Glencraig’s Health and Safety Policy.
• To maintain any professional registration required by Camphill Community, Glencraig and enact the basic minimum standard of competencies
• To follow emergency protocols put into place to maintain students’ safety and that of colleagues and other professionals.
• To report and record all accidents and significant events
• To ensure work is carried out in line with best practice
• To have an awareness of all Camphill School Glencraig’s policies and procedures and where relevant those of the wider organisation, and work within these.
• The ability to work as part of a team.
• The ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups of children, teachers, parents and other members of staff.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers and other members of staff.
• The ability to accept guidance and direction from teachers.
• The ability to distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of the teaching assistant and the teacher.
• An understanding of and commitment to inclusive education.

General

• A willingness to undertake paid training in normal contractual hours to develop job-related skills as required.
• To participate in regular team meetings and attend Professional Review and Development meetings with the Assistant Teacher
• To undertake all mandatory and developmental training as identified by Class Teacher and that required of them to maintain minimum standards of practice
• To actively reflect on practice and learn from it contributing to one’s own personal developmental.
• To maintain confidentiality at all times and not gossip about students and/or colleagues.
• To deal with minor First Aid as required
• To participate in various light cleaning duties as required to ensure agreed standards are maintained.
• Actively participate in the school’s Performance Development system as specified in the Professional Review and Development Policy, meeting regularly with your Line Manager to ensure that performance standards/targets are set and met within the agreed time scale.
• To carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by their Class Teacher
• Within your contracted hours, attend staff meetings, as required.
• To ensure the organisation’s resources are used in a cost-effective manner

Please note; this position does not currently meet the requirements of Tier 2 Skilled Worker Sponsorship, therefore we cannot process the applications of those who will require visa sponsorship.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £20,225.92-£21,199.36 per year

Benefits:

• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Do you have at least 6 months' experience in a caring and / or educational support field with those with additional needs?

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 10/05/2024
Reference ID: 24/28/LSA/WEB