Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Specialist Resource Provision (SRP)

What skills and experience we're looking for

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Experience working with children or young people with SEND.
• Understanding of social communication, emotional regulation and sensory needs.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff and families.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain calm, patient and responsive in challenging situations.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development.

Desirable

• Experience working within a Specialist Resource Provision or similar setting.
• Knowledge of autism, neurodiversity and inclusive education practices.
• Experience using visual supports and communication strategies.
• Training in emotional regulation approaches, behaviour support or SEND interventions.

What the school offers its staff

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about inclusive education and committed to helping pupils develop the social, emotional and independence skills needed to live happy and fulfilling lives.

As a school we are committed to developing people and will provide all of the relevant training to excel.

Further details about the role

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, patient and committed Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join our Specialist Resource Provision (SRP). The successful candidate will support pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), including pupils who experience difficulties with social communication, emotional regulation and sensory processing.The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of School, SENCO and Lead Teacher to provide a calm, structured and nurturing learning environment where pupils feel safe, understood and able to thrive. The role will include supporting pupils individually, in small groups and within their mainstream link classes where appropriate.This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about inclusive education and committed to helping pupils develop the social, emotional and independence skills needed to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom and Learning Support

• Support the Class Teacher with the day-to-day running of the SRP class, including preparing resources, supporting pupils during lessons and helping to maintain a calm and structured learning environment.
• Work with individual pupils and small groups to support learning, communication and emotional regulation.
• Support pupils to engage in learning by helping to provide structure, predictability and clear routines so that pupils feel safe, understood and well-regulated.
• Support pupils within their mainstream link classes and help them access learning successfully.
• Assist with organisation of daily routines, preparing resources, maintaining the learning environment and supporting smooth transitions throughout the day.

Communication and Inclusion

• Use appropriate communication strategies to support pupils at different stages of language development, including the consistent use of visual supports.
• Promote inclusive practice and support pupils’ participation in all aspects of school life.
• Support positive peer relationships by modelling appropriate social interactions and supporting pupils during shared learning activities and playtimes.

Emotional Regulation and Wellbeing

• Follow emotional regulation and support plans consistently and respond appropriately during times of dysregulation, following agreed school procedures.
• Support pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence skills.
• Help create a safe, nurturing and responsive environment that promotes emotional wellbeing.

Teamwork and Communication

• Work collaboratively as part of the SRP team and communicate effectively with the Class Teacher to share pupil progress and any concerns.
• Build positive relationships with pupils and support positive communication with parents/carers where appropriate.
• Work in partnership with external professionals and follow guidance provided by therapists and specialist staff where applicable.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain appropriate records in line with school policy, including recording incidents when required.
• Attend staff meetings and training as required and commit to ongoing professional development, particularly in SEND.
• Follow all school policies, including safeguarding, behaviour and SEND, and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Support safeguarding and child protection procedures in line with statutory guidance.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.