Job Description
Redwood River School is looking for Learning Support Assistants to join our wonderful independent SEN school. Our new school is based at the Old Postern, a breathtakingly beautiful medieval building steeped in history and surrounded by the tranquil natural beauty of the South Devon countryside.
As part of our exciting journey, we’re delighted to offer a unique opportunity for passionate and experienced Learning Support Assistants to join our brand-new team at Redwood River School.
As an LSA, you’ll be part of a nurturing, reflective team that supports students to feel safe, understood and empowered in their learning. This is a brilliant opportunity to make a real difference every day in a school that values relationships, consistency and staff development through a range of CPD opportunities.
Duties and responsibilities
Supporting Students
* To provide learning support / lead educational activities in 1:1 situation or small group situation
* To develop knowledge of the needs of the child and seek advice from the SENCo, class teacher, and outside agencies as required
* To aid access to the full range of learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom and provide modified materials as required e.g., worksheets, games, visual prompt cards etc
* To make or modify resources as suggested and advised by the SENCo, Educational Psychologist or other outside agencies
* To organise and maintain an inclusive learning environment across the whole school environment.
* Provide positive reinforcements, praise and rewards to students
* Facilitate inclusion in small group activities with peers and support interaction between them
* To attend in service training and relevant meetings relevant to the post to keep up to date with developments in working with children with special educational needs
Supporting the SENCO
* To work as part of the team to ensure that the wellbeing and personal development of the student enhances their learning opportunities and life skills
* To attend planning meetings with the SENCo/Teachers to develop learning programmes and to assist in the delivery of the individual learning programmes daily to promote learning, behaviour, and communication skills
* To provide regular feedback to the SENCo/Teachers and, where necessary, relevant outside agencies about any student’s difficulties and progress
* To contribute to the students’ annual review by writing a brief report and attending the meeting
Supporting the School
* To foster links between home and school
* To participate in relevant professional development as deemed appropriate
* To understand and apply the school policies on learning and behaviour, and the statutory guidelines relating to disability discrimination and special educational needs
* To maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to the students’ needs but have regard to the safeguarding procedures of the school
* To carry out duties as directed by the SENCo, Teacher or Head Teacher
Practice
* Ensure that all students, adults, and visitors are treated with dignity and respect, in an environment which reflects the importance of and their right to be treated as valuable worthwhile individuals.
* Ensure every step necessary to ensure that students are protected from neglect, abuse, and exploitation
* Maintain strict confidentiality
* Report any safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead/Head Teacher
Continuous Professional Development
* Assume responsibility for own professional and personal development
* Maintain a high level of competence to deliver the organisation’s requirements
* Ensure a robust and thorough working knowledge of fire regulations, H&S, children’s safeguarding and all relevant regulatory and legal requirements impacting on the organisation and services
* Attend and participate in supervision
* Undertake relevant mandatory training
Safeguarding
* Ensure that the Safeguarding Policy is always followed
* Ensure that any safeguarding concerns are reported and followed-up without any undue delay
* When required, complete fact-finding investigations for safeguarding allegations
Additional Responsibilities
The above job description forms part of your main terms and conditions of employment, although does not include or define all tasks. The Company reserves the right to vary duties and responsibilities at anytime.
Experience and qualifications
Skills and Knowledge
* Possess a good ability to communicate effectively using records, reports, emails, and verbal communication with individuals and groups
* Ability to prioritise
* Ability to use IT: Microsoft Word and Outlook
* Strong organisational skills
* Attention to detail
* Ability to write detailed reports, letters etc
* Ability to work collaboratively and co-operatively with all professional colleagues and students
* Successful experience working with children in a school/early years environment
* Good reading, writing and numeracy skills
* Good working knowledge of ICT to support learning
* Knowledge and understanding of the principles of teamwork
* Non-discriminatory practice
Experience
* Good understanding of Safeguarding legislation, policy and procedures
* Ability to demonstrate effective implementation of the school’s behaviour management policy
* Ability to assess progress and performance and recommend appropriate strategies to support development
* Understand and support the importance of physical and emotional wellbeing
* Have knowledge and understanding of the different social, cultural and physical needs of pupils
* Building and maintaining effective working relationships
Qualifications
* Full Manual UK Driving Licence
* Willingness to work towards further qualifications as required
* Basic knowledge of First Aid and good understanding of the school
* GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent qualifications in Math’s and English
* NVQ2 or equivalent as recognised by the National Occupational Standards for Supporting Teaching and Learning (NOS-STL)
Benefits
* Free use of the school gym
* Onsite Parking
* Free lunches
* Various CPD opportunities
* KPI Bonus Programmes