Job Description:

Learning Support Assistant - Specialist SEND School

Location: Chard, Somerset
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

We are looking for an enthusiastic and caring Learning Support Assistant to support children and young people aged 7-25 with a range of additional needs, including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Communication and interaction difficulties
• Associated learning needs

Working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will play a key role in helping pupils access learning, develop confidence and achieve positive outcomes both academically and personally. The school places a strong emphasis on experiential and outdoor learning, helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and independence through a range of engaging activities.

• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Supporting learning both within and outside the classroom.
• Assisting pupils to regulate their emotions and engage positively with education.
• Implementing personalised learning and behaviour support strategies.
• Supporting pupils during outdoor learning and enrichment activities.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and support staff to meet individual needs.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and social development.
• Maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.

We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about supporting young people and who can demonstrate:

• Patience, empathy and resilience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and respond positively to challenging situations.
• A genuine interest in supporting pupils with SEND, ASD and SEMH needs.
• Flexibility and a proactive approach to supporting learning.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• A willingness to participate in outdoor learning and educational activities.

Previous experience within education, care, youth work, support work, residential care, mental health support or tutoring would be highly beneficial.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience working within a SEND setting.
• Experience supporting children or young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or SEMH needs.
• Experience in outdoor education, forest school, adventure learning, sports coaching or similar activities.
• Experience working with vulnerable children, young people or adults.

• Access to your own transport and a full driving licence, due to the location of the school and the nature of the role.
• A genuine commitment to supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Work within a highly supportive and therapeutic environment.
• Be part of a dedicated team committed to transforming young lives.
• Access ongoing professional development and specialist SEND training.
• Develop valuable experience within specialist education.
• Join a school where positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
• Enjoy a consistent working pattern of 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
• Contribute to a creative curriculum that incorporates outdoor and experiential learning opportunities.

If you are passionate about helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential, we would love to hear from you.

This role is subject to satisfactory references, enhanced DBS clearance and all relevant safeguarding checks.

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