Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Job Vacancy

We are seeking a dedicated individual who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We are looking for someone with compassion, empathy and high expectations, who is committed to supporting every pupil to succeed and thrive. Join our team at Conquest School and help make a lasting impact.

Job Summary

Main purpose

The Learning Support Assistant (LSA) will:

· Provide learning and care support for pupils at Conquest School

· Work with the teacher to plan and deliver activities

· Support pupils with routines, transitions and behaviour management

Duties and responsibilities

Supporting pupils

· Build positive relationships with pupils, promoting high self-esteem and independence

· Adapt communication style to respond to pupils according to their individual needs

· Support pupils with their social, emotional and mental health needs, escalating concerns where appropriate

· Promote high standards of behaviour, responding to incidents in line with the school’s behaviour policy and guidelines on physical intervention

· Assist with the development and delivery of individual education and support plans

Teaching and learning

· Contribute to the planning of differentiated learning activities for individual or small groups of pupils with special educational needs (SEN), delivering activities inside or outside the classroom

· Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning

· Use IT skills to advance pupils’ learning

· Through observations, provide regular feedback to teachers on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning

· Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment

· Monitor, record and report on progress and attainment

· Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable

· Contribute to the overall ethos, aims and work of the school

· Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher, SEN co-ordinator (SENCO) or member of the school senior leadership team (SLT)

Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals

· Share knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision

· Communicate effectively with parents and carers under the direction of teachers

· Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers

· Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school

· Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues

Professional development

· Help keep their own knowledge and understanding relevant and up to date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness

· Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school

· Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures

Other areas of responsibility

Safeguarding

· Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies

· Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school

Here’s a clear, concise set of Health & Safety responsibilities for a Learning Support Assistant in an independent special school. It’s written in a way that fits neatly into a job description while reflecting the realities of supporting pupils with complex needs.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

· Follow all school Health & Safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment for pupils, staff, and visitors.

· Support pupils safely during learning, personal care, movement around school, and use of specialist equipment, following training and individual risk assessments.

· Identify and report any hazards, concerns, or incidents promptly to the appropriate staff member.

· Implement agreed behaviour support strategies safely and consistently, in line with training and pupil support plans.

· Assist with maintaining safe classroom spaces, ensuring equipment and resources are used and stored appropriately.

· Contribute to safe supervision during transitions, break times, off‑site visits, and emergency procedures such as fire drills.

· Follow medical, mobility, and manual‑handling guidance specific to individual pupils, seeking support when unsure.

Please note, this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the postholder will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher or line manager.

Person specification

criteria

qualities

Qualifications
and training

· GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and maths

Experience

· Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting

· Experience working with children / young people with special educational needs (SEN)

· Experience planning and delivering learning activities

Skills and knowledge

· Good literacy and numeracy skills

· Good organisational skills

· Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils and adults

· Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils

· Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs

· Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role, and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils

· Excellent verbal communication skills

· Ability to work as part of a team and to be flexible in their approach to daily routines

· Active listening skills

· The ability to remain calm in stressful situations

· Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children

· Good IT skills, particularly using IT to support learning

Personal qualities

· Enjoyment of working with children

· Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils

· A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school

· Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times

· Commitment to safeguarding pupil’s wellbeing and equality

· Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference

· Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people

Pay: £24,000.00-£27,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person