Learning support assistant

Job Title: Learning Support Assistant (LSA), level 2

Location: Ty Dysgu Pupil Referral Unit, Merthyr Tydfil

Position Type: Term Time only, 1 year fixed term, 13 hours per week (Thursday and Friday)

Salary: Grade 2 SCP 6 £25,989 p.a. pro rata

30.73% of £25,989 = £7,986 p.a.

Application Deadline: Friday 26th June 2026

Start Date: 1st September 2026

Shortlisting date: 30th June 2026

Interview date: Thursday 9th July 2026

Job Description

Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Level 2 Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join Ty Dysgu Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Merthyr. Ty Dysgu is a 3–16 provision that provides a supportive, nurturing, and inclusive environment for pupils who require alternative education pathways. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the educational, social, emotional, and behavioural development of learners across both primary and secondary phases.

Ty Dysgu is an ambitious and improving provision that has recently emerged from special measures following significant progress in leadership, attendance, teaching and learning, and pupil wellbeing. We are proud of the positive relationships at the heart of our work and our commitment to helping every pupil overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated and highly supportive team at a time of continued development and growth. The successful candidate will contribute to our vision of providing high-quality, personalised support that enables some of our most vulnerable learners to engage, succeed, and thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Supporting Learning and Development:

o Assist teachers in delivering tailored educational programs.

o Work with small groups or individual pupils to reinforce learning objectives.

o Support pupils with their social and emotional development, encouraging positive behaviour and self-esteem.

2. Classroom Support:

o Prepare and organise learning materials and resources.

o Assist in maintaining a safe and stimulating classroom environment.

o Help manage classroom behaviour and ensure a positive learning atmosphere.

3. Individualised Support:

o Implement individualised support strategies and behavioural support plans.

o Provide one-on-one support to pupils with specific needs, including those with

learning difficulties, emotional and behavioural challenges, and other additional learning needs (ALN).

o Monitor and record pupil progress, reporting to teachers and other relevant staff.

4. Collaboration and Communication:

o Work closely with teachers, ALN coordinator, and other staff members to support pupil progress.

o Communicate effectively with parents and carers, providing updates on pupil progress and wellbeing.

o Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.

5. General Duties:

o Assist with the supervision of pupils during break and lunchtimes.

o Support pupils during off-site activities and educational visits.

o Carry out any other duties as required by the Headteacher or senior staff members.

Qualifications and Experience:

∙ Minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.

∙ Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent (Desirable).

∙ Previous experience working with children that have Behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD), preferably in an educational or care setting.

∙ Experience working with pupils with ALN is desirable.

Skills and Attributes:

∙ Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

∙ Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting children’s learning and development.

∙ Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

∙ Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic educational environment.

∙ Basic understanding of child protection and safeguarding principles.

Benefits:

∙ Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

∙ Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

∙ Supportive and inclusive working environment.

∙ Opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of young people.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to apply online.

For more information about this role or the Pupil Referral Unit, please contact Simon Pardoe.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Our Pupil Referral Unit is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Safeguarding Statement:

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Join our team and help make a difference in the lives of our pupils!

You will be required to provide evidence of all qualifications specified as essential.

Application forms can be completed online.

If you do not have access to the internet, application forms can be obtained by telephoning and are to be returned no later than Friday 26th June 2026 to HR Administration, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AN.

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the closing date.

Ability to speak Welsh is desirable.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council encourages applications from Welsh speakers. Application forms may be submitted in Welsh and any applications completed in Welsh will not be treated any less favourably than those submitted in English.

If you are successfully shortlisted for interview please contact to let us know if you would like your interview to be conducted through the medium of Welsh.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is committed to protecting and safeguarding the most vulnerable people in our community. Rigorous pre-employment checks are undertaken for all appointments as part of our recruitment and selection process.

All employees are required to comply with their individual and organisational responsibilities under the Data Protection Act, the Information Security Policy and relevant supporting operational policies. Any matters of a confidential nature must not be disclosed or passed to any unauthorised persons or third party under any circumstance either during or after employment except in the proper course of your employment or as required by law, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council or both. Any breach of confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action.

We value diversity in our workforce and consider ourselves to be an Employer of Choice, committed to promoting and integrating equality of opportunity into all aspects of our work. We welcome applications from everyone and encourage applicants from all groups and backgrounds to apply and join us at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. We are strongly committed to eradicating discrimination in the workplace and ensure that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, disability, sex, race, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, religion or belief, gender identity and expression, and pregnancy and maternity.

Safeguarding Statement