Learning Support Assistant

Do you want to be part of a multi-disciplinary team of dedicated friendly Teachers, Therapists and Learning Support Assistants helping children with social and communication difficulties to blossom and thrive?

Do you have a passion for learning, excellent inter-personal skills and are confident, enthusiastic, calm, supportive, resilient and adaptable?

Due to expanding numbers we welcome you to apply to join our team.

Learning Support Assistant (Term-Time, Permanent) Euston, London

About us:

Blossom House School is an Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” specialist school for children aged 3 - 19 years of age with speech, language and communication difficulties. We provide a nurturing environment for children from Foundation Stage, Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Post-16. Although many of the children have some associated difficulties such as fine motor problems or poor organisational skills, they are all within the average range of cognitive abilities.

Part of Blossom House, Euston, is a specialist independent day school based near Euston, London. We currently have children aged 3 to 12 years; however, we aim to grow our provision with the children throughout the primary and secondary phase. Our school has a unique atmosphere created by its totally dedicated, highly professional and caring staff. We acknowledge specific strengths and support individual weaknesses, so that each child “blossoms” and has the opportunity to fulfil his or her potential.

What the role involves:

The Learning Support Assistant role involves supporting secondary children, assisting the class teacher and therapists, helping to maintain the learning environments and assisting with administration. You may be required to provide ad-hoc or dedicated 1:1 support to specific children and also to provide whole-class support in lessons.

We offer:

· Small class sizes and the opportunity to work 1-1 with children where possible in a well- equipped building.

· Support from an enthusiastic and dedicated team of Therapy staff and Teachers who will work alongside you in the classroom. Our Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapist, Art Therapists, Music Therapists, and Play Therapists aim to maximise each child’s potential in a nurturing and supportive environment.

· Continued professional development and training.

· The opportunity to obtain a City & Guilds accredited training course in Behaviour Support Management while working here. We will also train you on how to use Makaton, a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate.

· An opportunity to pursue a career in Teaching or Therapy where applicable.

· Great staff non-contractual benefits such as free lunch on Wednesdays, termly wellbeing claims, annual bonuses and pay rises and a friendly nurturing environment.

· UK Healthcare cash plan designed to help cover your “day to day” healthcare expenditure such as Optical and Dental bills and offers cash back (up to policy limits) for a variety of different medical treatments. It also offers lifestyle benefits and discounted gym membership.

The ideal candidate will have:

· Supporting our students can sometimes be challenging, mental and physical resilience are qualities necessary for all our staff.

· Confidence, enthusiasm and a passion for learning.

· Excellent English skills (clear written and spoken English) along with good reading, writing and numeracy skills.

· The ability to build good working relationships with children, teachers, parents and carers.

· Experience of working with children with Special Education Needs (SEN), particularly Secondary children on the Autism Spectrum.

· The ability to manage a small group of children with complex social communication needs.

· The ability to promote positive behaviour in a nurturing environment is essential.

The role is Permanent, Term-Time (approx., 36 weeks per annum), Monday to Friday (08:30 – 17:00)

Salary: £25,317 - £28,800 pro rata, depending on experience (£21,700 - £24,656 salary for term-time, 36 weeks pa). Plus, a central London allowance of £1000 per annum.

To Start: September 2024

Closing Date: 7th January 2025

If you wish to apply for the post, please download the application form from the website and email your completed application form detailing how you meet the requirements of the person specification along with the recruitment activity (on the last page of the advert) to recruitment@blossomhouseschool.co.uk by the closing date.

This role is subject to the relevant Safeguarding checks, which will include an Enhanced DBS check, the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.

We can only shortlist based on completed applications and not CV’s alone.