Hours of work: Permanent, full time (37 hours per week)
Working pattern: Term-time weeks + 1 week during school holiday periods + holiday allowance starting holiday allowance of 5.85 = 44.85 paid weeks per year)
Salary: Grade 6: £26,403 to £26,824 (pro rata pay for full-time, term-time working is £22,593 to £22,800)
* Do you enjoy working with young people, helping to make a difference to their progress and engagement at school?
* Are you interested in working effectively with secondary-aged students with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) issues?
* In particular, do you have experience working with students with emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)?
* Do you have a genuine passion and commitment to improving outcomes for students with SEMH needs?
If so, we would like to hear from you. We're looking for an enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our exciting new strategic resourced provision (SRP), working with students with emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) and their families.
This is a permanent, full-time, term-time role.
We are looking for experienced learning support assistants and/or those considering a career in education, either in learning support or to gain experience before undertaking teacher training.
Our ideal candidate will be a dedicated, resilient practitioner with an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for students with SEMH needs and the interpersonal skills to build strong and trusting relationships with young people and their families.
The role requires level 2 qualifications in literacy and numeracy. Previous relevant experience is helpful but not essential.
About this role
Working under the guidance of the Specialist SEMH Teacher, the SEMH LSA will:
* Build positive relationships with students to promote self-esteem and to create a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports the young people with their social, emotional and mental health needs.
* Provide support for students with special educational needs in the SRP and across the wider school.
* Work with students and their families to provide the opportunity for all young people to access mainstream education and activities and to make the desired progress.
* Assist in classroom management and behaviour support through a trauma-informed approach.
* Assist with the development and delivery of individual education, support and care plans.
* Provide tutoring and additional support to students who require extra assistance.
* Assist the Specialist SEMH Teacher in the planning, management and/or preparation of resources.
* Cover lessons when the Specialist SEMH Teacher is absent, to a maximum of 3 lessons each week.
* Communicate effectively with students, parents and members of staff.
About the new resourced provision
Launched in September 2025, the new strategically resourced provision (SRP) is funded by the local authority and takes up to 25 students (Years 7–11) with significant SEMH needs. There is a specific focus on addressing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA).
About Ullswater Community College (UCC)
UCC is a larger than average 11–18 comprehensive school serving the biggest catchment area in England. We received an Ofsted Good rating in April 2023 and were recognised as 'Best Secondary School in Cumbria' at the annual NewsQuest Educational awards in October 2023.
This is an exciting time to be joining UCC. We have been named in the school rebuilding programme and planning and project works will begin in the very near future; we will soon have some of the newest and best-resourced school buildings in the country.
UCC is a friendly, supportive employer with a lot to offer its employees. Our Staff Wellbeing group and approachable leadership team work hard to maintain a responsive and professional working environment. Benefits to employees include but are not limited to:
* A welcoming and supportive community, where staff really do matter – our Staff Wellbeing group is an integral part of the school culture
* Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
* Membership of the Health Assured employee assistance programme
* Access to the latest technology to support all staff roles
* Cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme
* Access to comprehensive training and development
* A chance to contribute to the future development and direction of the school and our wider community.
Comprehensive information about the school can be found on the school website ).
We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability or age (as long as you're over 18).
Please note that we do not hold a Home Office sponsor licence.
To apply
In the first instance, please upload your CV and application letter outlining experience relevant for this role of Learning Support Assistant. If you progress to the next stage, you will be asked to complete an in-house application form.
Closing date for applications: midnight Sunday 21 September 2025. We aim to hold interviews the following week.
Full information about this vacancy, including a job description and person specification, can be found on the school website ). Please don't hesitate to contact us with any queries ).
UCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Employment at UCC is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. This means that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed; if they are disclosed, the school cannot take them into account.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,403.00-£26,824.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person