Learning Support Assistant (Senior School)

We are seeking to appoint a motivated, enthusiastic, and empathetic Learning Support Assistant to work with students aged 11 - 18 years, and support the learning of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, and/or additional learning needs, across all Key Stages in the Senior School. Reporting to the Head of Learning Support, you may also be involved in supporting our pastoral team as a Form Tutor.

About the School

The British School of Amsterdam is a recognized leader in quality international education in The Netherlands, with over 1,100 pupils enrolled across three school sections: Early Years School (3-6 years), Junior School (6-11 years), and Senior School (11-18 years). We follow an enhanced version of the National Curriculum for England, including GCSE and A Level exam programmes, and we were the first school in the Netherlands to be accredited by the UK Government as a British School Overseas (BSO). We are a high-performance school with a personal approach, and we offer smaller class sizes, modern facilities, and a welcoming and inclusive environment for pupils and staff alike. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Work closely with the school’s Head of Learning Support, subject teachers, and other professionals, to help plan appropriate support for the child or children you are supporting
• Prepare & deliver one-to-one and small group support for pupils with additional support needs in and outside of the classroom
• Liaise with subject teachers and other school staff and professionals to share information regarding the needs, targets, and progress of the pupils concerned, and successful support strategies
• Provide support and assistance to subject teachers in the day-to-day operating environment of the classroom
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils
• Perform any other reasonable duties prescribed by the leadership team
• Adhere to the school’s policies and procedures including the expectation to maintain confidentiality
• Comply with health and safety regulations
• Apply strategies to promote pupils' self-esteem, self-confidence, and independence
• Take part in the wider life of the school e.g. school assemblies, staff meetings
• Keep up-to-date with school information
• Help to maintain and organise resources in the school pertaining to the pupils you work with
• Monitor & track pupils' achievements at regular intervals, subject to instructions of Head of Department or other senior colleagues
• Keep up to date with subject development and take part in in-service training
• Participate in arrangements for preparing pupils for internal/external examinations
• Provide opportunities for the use of digital technology within the curriculum
• Create a culture of achievement where pupils aspire to do their best and are rewarded for their efforts
• Participate in departmental and other meetings related to the curriculum and organisation of the school
• Consult and liaise with parents and attend meetings, as required
• Participate in professional development and training, as required
• Work collaboratively with other members of the school, both within the curriculum and beyond
• Identify appropriate resources for the subject and ensure their efficient, effective, and safe use, including off site facilities and school residential trips
• Participate in the break duty rota, as assigned
• Undertake cover duties for colleagues, as assigned
• Keep up-to-date with school information
• Carry out other such duties, as necessary, as directed by the Head of Senior School and Principal
• Support and uphold the mission, vision, and values of the School
• Contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare and personal care of children and young people

Special Conditions

Work outside of normal school hours may be required, on occasion, with due notice e.g. sporting fixtures, parent evening, and other evening events. Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to changing needs and priorities within the school, taking on additional responsibilities as required.

Person specification

 Essential skills:

• University degree qualification
• Experience working with children & young adults (11-18 years) with additional support needs
• Experience working with children in British schools and/or international school environments
• Experience supporting pupils with additional learning needs in an education setting
• Able to work with a range of pupils at all levels
• Excellent organisation skills
• Excellent English communication skills (written & verbal)
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good humoured and flexible in approach
• Perserverance, positivity, and proactiveness

Desirable:

• Relevant experience interacting with11-18 year olds, e.g. teaching, education-services, sports coaching, counselling, or similar
• Teaching qualification and experience (advantageous)
• Up-to-date knowledge of the National Curriculum for England (preferred)
• Knowledge of inclusive pedagogies (advantageous)
• Knowledge of SEND (advantageous)

Applications process

Candidates should use the TES application process. Applications should include a Resume/CV with covering letter addressed to the Principal, Mrs Ruth Sanderson, and the contact details for two referees. Closing date for applications is Monday, 1 July 2024.  

Safeguarding

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The offer of the role will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks, and other safeguarding checks including overseas checks (where appropriate).