We are seeking a proactive, flexible and resilient Learning Support Assistant to join the dynamic staff team at a special school specialising in support for complex autistic individuals. This is the opportunity for someone who thrives in a role where no two days will be the same. Your timetable will differ on a daily basis and from week to week. Monday morning may be spent in a primary class with children with very complex needs including speech language and communication needs (SLCN) and sensory dysregulation. The afternoon could be on 1:1 learning support with a 14-year-old whose emotions can become dysregulated and display behaviour that challenges.
Working between classes and key stages requires the individual to be extremely good with timekeeping, record keeping, communication and teamwork skills. High levels of flexibility, resilience and adaptability are key when working across different ages and complex SEND needs. Assisting with personal care needs may be required.
The Role
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:
Work across all key stages (Early Years to KS5, 4 to 19 years)
Support complex autistic individuals with additional needs
Assist with behaviour support strategies for individuals who may display behaviours that challenge.
Support pupils with personal care needs with dignity, respect and sensitivity.
Support students to access social, emotional and independence development opportunities.
Work closely with teachers and therapists to deliver individualised learning programmes.
Promote communication through a range of approaches, including visual supports and alternative communication methods.
Foster a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment where every child can thrive.
Contribute to observations, assessments and pupil progress records.
Build positive relationships with pupils, parents, carers and colleagues.
About You
We are looking for candidates who:
Have experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly autism, social emotional and mental health (SEMH) and behaviour that challenges.
Are patient, reliable, dependable and able to build positive relationships with children who have complex needs.
Can remain calm and resilient in challenging situations.
Have a positive, proactive and flexible approach to supporting learning, development and behaviour management.
Are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Have strong communication and teamwork skills.
Essential Requirements
Previous experience working within a mainstream school, special school or alternative provision.
Happy to work with all ages, 4 to 19 years.
Extremely good with timekeeping, record keeping, communication and teamwork skills.
High levels of flexibility, resilience and adaptability.
Experience supporting children and/or young people with SEND needs (Autism, ADHD, SEMH, SLCN, Personal Care, Sensory Dysregulation, Challenging Behaviour).
Experience supporting children or young people with complex autism, who can display behaviour that challenges.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or we can put one in place for you).
Two satisfactory references covering a minimum of two years.
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
A dedicated and expert Account Manager
Regular and varied supply work
Competitive rates of pay
Potential long-term roles
Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
A network of branches across the UK
One of the preferred suppliers to all 22 local authorities in Wales under the All Wales Framework Agreement
We are the major teaching supply agency for Welsh speaking teachers across Wales
Recommend-a-friend scheme
Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment
Business in relation
to this vacancy.
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