Vacancy: Learning Support Assistant – Full Time (Term Time Only)
Location: Aldershot
Setting: Secondary SEMH Specialist School
Role: Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Pay: £14.25 per hour
Support Young People to Re-engage, Rebuild Confidence and Achieve Success
We are seeking a committed and resilient Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a specialist Secondary SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school in Aldershot.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a highly supportive specialist environment where relationships, consistency, and individual support make a genuine difference to young people’s educational journeys.
The school supports secondary-aged pupils who require a more personalised and therapeutic approach to education due to social, emotional, behavioural, and additional learning needs. Many pupils may have experienced barriers to education and benefit from a structured environment, predictable routines, and trusted adults who can help them engage positively with school life.
About the School
Working in an SEMH specialist setting is unlike mainstream education. Success is measured not only through academic progress, but also through helping students develop confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, communication skills, and positive relationships.
The school provides:
* Small class sizes with enhanced staffing support
* A structured and nurturing approach to learning
* Strong pastoral and behaviour support systems
* Collaborative working between teaching, support, and wider professionals
* A focus on building trust, engagement, and long-term outcomes for students
Staff work closely together to understand each student’s individual needs and develop strategies that support both educational progress and personal development.
The Role
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to support students throughout the school day.
You will provide classroom-based support, help students manage emotional and behavioural challenges, encourage engagement with learning, and promote positive routines and social development.
This role requires patience, adaptability, and the ability to build professional, consistent relationships with young people who may need additional support to feel successful within education.
No two days are the same, and your contribution can have a significant impact on helping students build confidence and achieve meaningful progress.
Key Responsibilities
* Support students within lessons and across the wider school environment
* Build positive, professional relationships that encourage trust and engagement
* Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
* Help maintain calm, structured, and consistent learning environments
* Encourage participation, independence, and confidence
* Work collaboratively with teachers and pastoral teams to implement individual support approaches
* Support students during transitions, social times, and throughout the school day
* Monitor engagement and contribute to student progress and wellbeing
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals with experience in:
* Education and classroom support
* SEMH, SEND, or specialist provision
* Youth work or mentoring
* Residential childcare
* Care or support work
* Behaviour support roles
* Sports coaching or community engagement
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
* A calm, patient, and emotionally resilient approach
* Strong communication and relationship-building skills
* Confidence supporting behaviour positively and consistently
* The ability to remain adaptable and solution-focused
* A genuine commitment to supporting young people to succeed
Previous experience in a school setting is beneficial but not essential for candidates with relevant transferable experience.
Training and Development
This school is committed to developing staff and offers:
* Ongoing training and professional development
* SEMH and SEND specialist training
* Behaviour support and de-escalation approaches
* Opportunities to develop experience within specialist education
* Supportive leadership and collaborative working practices
This role can provide valuable experience for individuals considering careers in:
* Teaching
* Educational Psychology
* Youth Justice
* Mental Health Services
* Behaviour Support
* Specialist Education
Requirements
* Experience supporting children or young people in education, care, or related settings is desirable
* A Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service is preferred, or applicants must be willing to obtain one
* Right to work in the UK
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
If you are passionate about supporting young people, building positive relationships, and helping students overcome barriers to education, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now with your up-to-date CV to be considered.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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