Learning Support Assistant

Elm Tree Primary Academy is a new special school in Sandwell for autistic pupils from Reception to Year 6 who have additional learning needs.

Phase 1 opened in September 2022 with a Reception class and Y1 class and Phase 2 will open as a brand new build in September 2023 in Friar Park Road Wednesbury.

This is a very exciting opportunity for Victoria Academies Trust who are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Learning Support Assistant. The position will allow the successful candidate to be part of a small team and grow with the school as it reaches its full capacity by September 2025

We are looking for candidates who :

• Are creative thinkers, passionate, committed and have the determination to secure the best possible outcomes for every child
• Have experience of working with autistic pupils
• Are energetic, positive and have the ability to work effectively as part of our team
• Are willing to go the extra mile to make great things happen for our children

We can offer the successful candidates:

• A commitment to continuing professional development
• A supportive and hardworking staff team
• Happy to discuss flexible working

• Access to our benefits programme Pluxee

Job Summary

To provide personal care support to pupils in school alongside class teams

To provide classroom support to pupils under the direction of the teacher.

To work under the direction of teachers/senior staff to implement agreed work programmes with individuals/groups in or out of the classroom.

This will include programmes of work requiring detailed and specialist SEND knowledge and will involve assisting the teacher in the management/preparation of resources.

Support to Pupils

To assist pupils in the use of resources including IT.

To maintain pupils' interests and motivation.

To assist pupils with dress/changing for activities/personal hygiene.

To support individual and group work assigned by the teacher in raising core skills.

The care and welfare of pupils to include toileting and self-care skills as required

Assist with the implementation of individual pupil learning plans, pastoral support plans and safety support plans as required.

Set high expectations in accordance with the pupil’s level of need to promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement, self-reliance and promote self-esteem.

Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement under the guidance of the class teacher.

Support pupils consistently, while recognising and responding to their individual needs ensuring their safety, access to learning and independence.

Encourage pupils to interact and work cooperatively with others and engage pupils in activities.

Demonstrate a commitment to promoting the wellbeing of pupils.

Assist with the implementation of individual communication strategies/plans.

Support to Teachers

Work with the teacher to establish an appropriate learning environment.

To communicate with colleagues and assist in the assessment of pupil attainment/progress. Monitor and evaluate pupils’ responses to learning activities through observation.

Provide regular feedback and written comments if required to the teacher on pupil achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence through an agreed system.

Assist with the development of learning activities and use strategies in liaison with the teacher to support pupils to achieve learning goals.

Promote positive values and attitudes and pupils’ behaviour, dealing promptly with incidents in line with policy and encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour.

Support the use of technology in learning activities and develop pupils’ confidence and independence in its use.

Establish positive relationships and communication with parents and outside agencies.

To liaise with teachers and other staff to obtain, exchange and record information on pupils in accordance with school policy

Support to School

To be aware of an comply with school policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Be aware of and support difference, ensuring all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.

To contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.

Attend and participate to meeting as required. Participate in training, learning activities and performance development as required

To maintain school routine.

To supervise pupils at lunch time and break time as required.

Accompany teaching staff and pupils on trips and out of school activities.

To maintain a safe environment

Please see attached job description.

Elm Tree Primary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search as part of our recruitment process.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act

This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure which confirms the appointee is not on the Children’s Barred list being obtained. If you are shortlisted you will be asked to disclose any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013)

Other duties

1. To participate in the operation of the Trust’s Appraisal Scheme

2. It is your responsibility to carry out your duties in line with the Trust policy on equality and be sensitive and caring to the needs of the disadvantaged, promoting a positive approach to a harmonious working environment. You should act as an exemplar on these issues and should identify and monitor training for yourself and any employees for whom you are responsible, in line with this policy, the Equality Standard and obligations under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

3. Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the school or Trust in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder's salary grade, abilities and aptitudes

4. The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to the Trust policy, organisation and arrangements for Health and Safety at Work.

Note This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. The particular duties and responsibilities listed above may be subject to reasonable change from time to time following consultation between the Head Teacher/ SLT with the postholder