Vision Impaired Learning Support Assistant
Salary: EHCC Scale B £24,796 - £25,128 FTE for 37 hours Pro Rata £17,197 - £17,658 for 30 hours
Contract: Permanent
Hours: To be discussed at Interview
Start date: ASAP
Previous experience of working in a school is not essential, full training on all our school systems will be provided as part of our staff induction programme.
We have a vacancy in our VI department to support pupils with a Vision impairment at KS3/KS4 in a mainstream context, and support them across the curriculum. Special interest in supporting PE lessons including football, cricket and basketball would be an advantage. The role will also support in all GCSE core subjects including Maths, Science, English and Technology.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate resilience, initiative, patience, and a passion for working with and assisting young people to learn. There are good opportunities for career progression and previous experience is not essential. Candidates must have proven literacy and numeracy skills, equivalent to GCSE grade C and above.
A working knowledge of Braille and/or the modification of resources for large print users is desirable but not essential as training will be given. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to gain accreditation in Braille and associated skills to support pupils with a vision impairment.
The VI Learning Support Assistant is required to:
1. Provide support for pupils with a vision impairment within the classroom. Full training will be given.
2. Prepare/modify resources for pupils with a vision impairment and full training will be given on this
which will include:
· the modification of large print materials using Microsoft Office software within a specific subject area, designed to meet individual needs and in co-operation with the subject and specialist teachers of the vision impaired
· Adapt diagrams for large print and tactile users.
· Re-align original text for photocopy enlargement
· Modify text to braille (once training has been completed)
1. Support the social and emotional development of pupils with a vision impairment
2. Assist and support pupils with a vision impairment to fully integrate into a mainstream secondary school
3. Candidates must have proven literacy and numeracy skills, equivalent to GCSE grade C and above.
4. Be a strong team player as a member of an established support team, working towards the full integration of pupils with a vision impairment.
5. Work independently and with initiative.
6. Work alongside the class teacher in the support of pupil(s) with a vision impairment.
7. Support in alternative study periods/curricular activities for individual pupils, in the development of their whole school independence, helping to raise standards of achievement.
8. Occasionally support pupils with a vision impairment on out-of-hours educational visits, sporting locations etc.
9. Invigilate internal and external exams under the JCQ examination guidelines. Full training will be given on this.
10. Be professionally discrete and able to respect confidentiality on all issues.
11. Have a professional and positive attitude at all times.
12. Have good communication skills and able to clarify and explain instructions clearly.
13. Understand the implications of individual pupil's vision impairment.
14. Have well-developed interpersonal skills and a sense of humour to support positive working relationships within the school environment.
15. Support individual pupils in the development to achieve their personal best and have the ability to motivate and encourage pupils appropriately, whilst adhering to the professional approach.
16. Provide written contributions for reports, PIPs (Personalised Information Plan) and EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan) reviews. Full training will be given on this.
17. Provide on-going feedback to the Manager of the Resource for effective support of individuals.
18. Assist in the keeping of records and the maintenance of materials and equipment.
19. Attend weekly VI Team Meetings, full staff meetings and Curriculum Team Meetings when necessary.
20. Undertake any duties, which may reasonably be regarded as within the duties of the post as defined.
The VILSA will be given the opportunity to develop specific skills in an identified area of the curriculum. There will be an opportunity should you wish to learn Braille and acquire a qualification.
Training will be ongoing and there will be many opportunities to increase personal knowledge and professional development in the education and social and emotional support of pupils with a vision impairment, to achieve their full potential within a mainstream school setting.
This post is an excellent way to gain experience in a secondary school setting where the role of the Learning Support Assistant is valued by pupils, parents, and staff. If you have the skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to work with young people with a vision impaired, we would like to hear from you. Please see the Candidate Application pack for further information.
Interview Date: Successful shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview prior to the closing date
CVs will not be considered, only applications made using the Support Staff Application Form can be accepted.
Applicants should apply using the Support Staff Application Form which can be found on our website, together with a Candidate Application Pack: Please note that CVs will not be considered.
Completed Application Forms should be submitted to: Please contact us via email or if you have any questions about the role.
Closing Date: 30th September 2025
Toynbee School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
"Toynbee School is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to DBS checks along with other relevant employment checks."
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,796.00-£25,128.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Work Location: In person