DescriptionEmployerLocation
The Learning Support Assistant (LSA) will provide tailored support to students across the school, with a particular focus on improving transitions for our younger students in the lower years. The post holder will support the academic, social, emotional, and physical development of students, with interventions designed to meet the needs of the primary curriculum. The role involves working to promote student engagement with lessons and school life, helping students meet the demands of the curriculum while supporting their progress in key areas. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in primary education and experience in delivering interventions that support younger students’ learning and development.
Line Manager: SENCo, Class Teacher, Head Teacher
Hours: 30 Hours per week, term time only.
Salary Scale: Grade 15 £16,774 - £17,037 per annum (based on a full time equivalent of £24,796 - £25,185). *Pay award pending.Key Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
Teaching and Learning
•Provide general support to students with specific learning or emotional needs, as outlined in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), Statement, or Individual Education Plan (IEP).
•Assist in the educational, social, emotional, physical, and sensory development of students under the guidance of the SENCo, class teacher, and head teacher.
•Facilitate full participation of students, particularly those in lower-year groups, in classroom and extracurricular activities, both inside and outside of the classroom.
•Work with other professionals, such as speech and language therapists, to implement tailored support strategies.
•Assist in monitoring and tracking students’ progress, contributing to student records and reports.
•Support small groups of children, under the teacher's guidance, to aid their development in key areas, particularly in line with the primary curriculum.
Standards and Quality Assurance
•Uphold the school’s ethos of providing quality education and enabling all students to reach their potential.
•Set a positive example in terms of behaviour, dress, punctuality, and attendance.
•Attend team meetings, staff meetings, and training sessions as required.
•Undertake professional duties as assigned by the SENCo or head teacher.
•Be proactive in health and safety matters, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
Support During the School Day
•Assist students, particularly those in the lower years, with their arrival and departure from school, ensuring smooth transitions into and out of the school environment.
•Supervise students during transitions between lessons, ensuring they remain engaged and supported, with a focus on the needs of younger children and students making transitions.
•Provide supervision during play times and lunch times, encouraging positive social interaction and safe behaviour.
•Liaise with parents as appropriate, and communicate any concerns to the class teacher, SENCo, or senior leadership team.
Emotional and Social Development
•Attend training to develop skills in managing emotions such as stress, grief, anger, and conflict.
•Support students in developing social interaction skills and maintaining friendships.
•Promote a positive self-concept and good self-esteem, helping students develop confidence and resilience.
•Plan and deliver activities focused on developing social and friendship skills, ensuring the sessions are varied, engaging, and appropriately paced.
•Write session plans and provide evaluative feedback to inform future support.
Collaboration and Communication
•Liaise regularly with class teachers, support assistants, and external professionals to ensure cohesive support for students, particularly those in the lower years.
•Share insights from training or supervision sessions with staff as relevant to improve overall support for students.
•Meet regularly with the SENCo to review work, ensuring all support strategies align with students’ needs.
•Work flexibly within a committed team, contributing to the wider school environment.
Safeguarding and Student Welfare
•Safeguarding children is the responsibility of all Whitstone School staff.
•Uphold the school's safeguarding policies to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
•Ensure all safeguarding training is completed and up to date.
Person Profile:
The successful candidate will have:
•A warm, approachable personality with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
•Strong interpersonal skills, able to build trusting relationships with children and adults alike.
•The ability to engage with and support children who may be socially withdrawn or emotionally vulnerable.
•Enthusiasm for learning and a proactive approach to personal development.
•Strong organisational and time-management skills, able to work independently and show initiative.
•The ability to plan engaging and varied programmes of support tailored to students’ needs, particularly in line with primary curriculum objectives.
•Experience in keeping accurate records and maintaining clear documentation.
•A willingness to work collaboratively as part of a flexible and dedicated team.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
•Experience working in a primary school setting is highly desirable, especially with students in the lower years.
•ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) training is a preferred qualification.
Closing date: Midday Tuesday 5th May, 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified. Interviews will be held on an ongoing basis as appropriate applications are received.
Safeguarding Statement
Whitstone Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.