Learning Support Assistant

We are seeking a committed and reflective Learning Support Assistant to join our school community, working as part of the wider staff team within a newly established SEN Hub (The Bothy), supporting autistic students (Years 7-11) experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

While the provision operates as a specialist space, it is an integral part of KEVICC and plays an important role in supporting our inclusive ethos. The provision aims to re-engage young people with learning, support emotional wellbeing, and develop confidence and resilience. Over time, this may include supported access to aspects of the mainstream curriculum, enrichment opportunities and wider school life.

The successful candidate will work under the direction of the SENDCo, the Lead Teacher, and SEND Manager to promote emotional wellbeing and enable students to engage safely and positively with education.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Key Responsibilities

Support for Students

Support individual students and small groups with ASD and EBSA to engage in learning and provision activities

Build positive, trusting and emotionally secure relationships with students

Support students to develop emotional regulation, manage anxiety and participate in learning

Act as a consistent and supportive adult, modelling calm and appropriate behaviour

Support for Learning

Support the delivery of learning activities as planned by teaching staff

Assist in adapting resources to ensure accessibility for individual needs

Reinforce learning through clarification, repetition and encouragement

Support students to access both Bothy-based and, where appropriate, mainstream learning

Help implement personalised timetables and support bespoke learning pathways

Outdoor & Experiential Learning

Support outdoor and experiential learning activities as directed by staff

Encourage student participation, confidence and independence in practical activities

Promote safe, positive engagement in all activities

Support for Emotional Wellbeing

Work in a relational and responsive way, recognising students’ emotional needs

Support the use of autism-informed and trauma-informed strategies as directed by staff

Assist in de-escalation and co-regulation during periods of anxiety or distress

Contribute to a consistent and supportive environment

General Support

Work as part of a team, following direction from teaching staff and SEND leadership

Share relevant information with colleagues to support student progress and wellbeing

Support supervision of students during breaktimes and movement around the site where required

Support transitions into and out of the provision, including reintegration where appropriate

General Duties

Undertake duties as reasonably required, commensurate with the grade of the post

Person Specification

Essential

Experience of working with children or young people, particularly those with SEND (ASD and/or EBSA desirable)

Ability to work under direction and as part of a team

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Calm, patient and supportive approach

Ability to follow guidance and implement agreed strategies

Commitment to inclusive, person-centred practice

Ability to support learning across a range of activities

Desirable

Experience working with students with SEND

Awareness of autism and/or emotionally based school avoidance

Experience supporting emotional regulation or wellbeing

Interest in outdoor learning, creative or practical activities

What We Offer

The opportunity to contribute to a developing bespoke SEND provision within an inclusive school community

A supportive and collaborative team with a strong relational ethos

A varied role supporting students with diverse needs

The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people

This document outlines the duties for the time being to indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exclusive list and the duties may be varied from time to time which do not change the general character to the job or the level of responsibility entailed.

Education South West is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. This includes checks with past employers, an online check of publicly available information, including social media, and an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service