Learning Support Assistant

Overview

Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) work as part of the class team under the direction of Class Teachers and may be required to work with pupils of any age and ability.

Personal attributes

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Learning Support Assistant to join the team at our all age special school. You will be working with pupils with a wide range of complex needs including Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Complex Autism. The age range is 4 to 19 years.

You may have skills already, or be keen to develop skills, in working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including complex medical and health needs, and Autism.

You will have:

a flexible attitude
a positive approach
strong communication skills
enthusiasm about supporting pupils to develop their skills in all areas
enthusiasm and the ability to maximise every learning opportunity (e.g. supporting pupils with their communication and independence not only in lessons, but at break times, during snack and lunch times and throughout the whole school day)
enthusiasm to develop your own skills to use the school's strategies to support all pupils appropriately
the ability to motivate pupils
the ability to provide the support necessary to help every pupil make as much progress as possible
the ability to work co-operatively and to develop positive relationships
patience
the ability to stay calm in challenging situations
emotional and physical resilience
a sense of humour

Experience of working with children and young people with special educational needs and a relevant Level 2 qualification or above (e.g. NVQ Supporting Teaching and Learning) are desirable, but not essential.

A commitment to maintaining outstanding levels of Safeguarding for all our pupils and staff is essential.

Hillside is a very successful school and we place the pupils at the heart of everything we do; we expect the same of all our staff.

Salary

Salary from £12.65 to £13.05 per hour (depending on experience)

Pay Scale and Points: Grade 3, Points 4 to 6

However, if you are currently already working in a school with continuous service, on Grade 3, between Points 7 and 9, please do still apply. Your application and pay point will be considered.

Contract Type and Working Hours

Required from: As soon as possible

Contract type:

Permanent (subject to 6 month probationary period)

Contracted working hours:

29.75 hours per week, 38 weeks per year, term time only.

This is made up as follows:

8.45am to 3.30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (with a 40 minute lunch break)

8.45am to 3.10pm Tuesdays and Fridays (with a 40 minute lunch break)

Additional hours:

You will also be required to attend some statutory training sessions and/or meetings after school and on P.D. Days; for these occasions you would claim additional hours.

Location

Hillside Special School
Hitchcock Place
Sudbury
Suffolk
CO10 1NN

Job Description and Application Form

Closing date and how to apply

Closing Date: Monday 13th January 2025 at 10:00am

Interview Date: Tuesday 21st January 2025

We actively encourage applicants to see our school in action before applying for vacancies. If this post is of interest to you and you would like to know more, please contact us via email to admin@hillside.suffolk.sch.uk including your full name and 'LSA vacancy' in the subject line and we will be pleased to arrange a mutually convenient time for you to visit.

If you think you have the qualities to fulfil this role and you want to make a real contribution to our school, we would welcome an application from you. Please send your completed application form to admin@hillside.suffolk.sch.uk or in the post to Mrs. Lizzi Murphy, Headteacher, Hillside Special School, Hitchcock Place, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1NN.

All applications must be made on an official application form. CVs cannot be accepted.

Job reference: LSA Dec24

Hillside Special is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. It is also subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and children’s barred list check. Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the school.

We expect all candidates to have read the following two documents:

No recruitment agencies, thank you.