Learning Support Assistant SEN

Kingfisher Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) Learning Support Assistant

The Vale Academy has an exciting new opportunity to join the delivery team at one of our new Specialist Resource Provisions for mainstream pupils with Autism. The provision will be home to 10 primary aged pupils with a primary diagnosis of autism. Some of these pupils demonstrate challenging behaviours and sensory difficulties and can become overwhelmed.

We are seeking to recruit an excellent Learning Support Assistant who has experience in supporting pupils with special needs in a mainstream setting. The successful candidate must have excellent observation and communication skills. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of an experienced dedicated team working in a progressively forward-thinking provision/ academy and who are passionate about enabling children and young people with Autism to thrive.

Successful candidates will be expected to carry out detailed observations of pupils and to work 1 – 1 and in small groups in the provision as well as supporting our pupils in the main school when they join for specific learning opportunities. They will be expected to demonstrate and help implement Autism specific strategies.

Each provision will provide education to 10 primary-aged children with a diagnosis of autism and have been commissioned by Central Bedfordshire Local Authority to support with the increased number of primary aged children with an EHC plan stating autism as the main special educational need. Although housed in a separate building, the provision will be part of the mainstream school and, where appropriate, children will join the main school for learning and activities. 

Visits to the Academy are warmly welcomed.

Why work for The Vale Academy:

The Vale Academy is an exceptional primary school that offers a warm, welcoming, and nurturing learning environment for children aged 2-11.

1.     Fantastic Students: The Vale Academy is home to some of the most wonderful students you'll ever meet. Our students are kind, caring, and eager to learn. They make the school a joyous place to be.

2.     Hardworking Teachers: Our teachers are dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate about their work. They go above and beyond to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education, tailored to their individual needs.

3.     Supportive Parents: Our parents are actively involved in their children's education and work closely with our teachers to ensure that their children receive the best possible education. We value our parent's support and work together to create a strong, supportive community.

4.     Safe and Nurturing Environment: We believe that a child's learning environment plays an essential role in their success. Our school is a safe, nurturing environment where children feel comfortable to learn, grow, and explore.

5.     Opportunities for leadership progression: As part of The Shared Learning Trust, we place value in our own colleagues and empower them to reach their full potential. We offer a range of training opportunities, include NPQ qualifications, coaching and mentoring and Masters qualifications, and encourage those who want to progress into leadership roles. 

Overall, The Vale Academy is a school that is dedicated to providing an outstanding education to every child. Our lovely students, hardworking teachers, and supportive parents create a community that is committed to excellence in all areas of education.

Your Duties & Responsibilities

·       To make every day stimulating, exciting and developmental for the pupils in the SRP.

·       To ensure that the identified needs and targets for development as detailed on the EHC plans are being catered for and impact measured

·       To use assessment method to capture the small steps as well as the significant ones

·       To ensure that the entirely bespoke curriculum provides each child with the opportunity to explore all subjects and develop life skills

·       To liaise efficiently and regularly with SRP leader regarding the quality of education and pupils needs and progress

·       To work with the parents/carers of every child to ensure that they feel fully informed, supported and re-assured about their child’s journey and education during their time with us

Requirements

·       Experience and high level of knowledge and understanding around creating learning opportunities to support and develop children with autism, Essential

·       First Aid Training Desirable

·       Understanding of Safeguarding

·       Great communication skills and is committed to working well in a team and individually

Job Specifics

Start date: September 2024 or Asap

Salary:  NJC L2 point 4 -5 £23,114 -£23,500 FTE Actual pro rata salary £19,038 - £19,356

Job role:  Permanent, Full-time, Term-time plus inset days, 35 hours per week.

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.

Safeguarding

We believe in the safeguarding and welfare of children and expect all staff to share this view’.

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.  Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer. 

The Department for Education (DfE) has set out statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ for schools and colleges on safeguarding.

Safeguarding is defined in paragraph 4 as:

“Protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.”

The definition of 'children' includes everyone under the age of 18.