SEND Learning Support Assistant

36.5 hours per week, term time only (38 weeks pa)

Our Learning Support Assistants play a vital role in assisting students with differing needs and abilities to maximise their potential and achievement. This role would suit someone, with or without existing experience, with a desire to make a difference to the life chances of students. In addition, if you are a graduate and considering teaching, this would be an excellent start to your career.

If teaching is your goal we can offer hands on experience and excellent CPD streams, students keen to learn and a supportive team of colleagues.

A positive and flexible approach is essential. Other qualities required include patience, excellent communication and motivational skills, and being able to work collaboratively as part of a supportive team building good relationships with colleagues and students. Experience of supporting students or relevant qualifications are advantageous although full training will be offered to the right candidate.

A desire to actively contribute to the learning, personal and social needs of students, while encouraging independence is required.  Key duties will include assisting and advancing learning of identified students in a range of settings including small group work or 1:1 sessions and supporting up to 4 EHCP’s within a class.

Hinchley Wood School is an ‘Outstanding’ (Ofsted, 2023), inclusive and high achieving school on the borders of South West London. Oversubscribed each year, we have 1,355 students on roll including 253 in our Sixth Form. We are one of the top 100 performing schools in England and Wales in terms of the progress our students make between the end of Key Stage 2 and their GCSEs. Hinchley Wood School has been ranked 18th in the Sunday Times Top Comprehensive Schools (2023). 

Testimony from an LSA of two and a half years:

“Being a Learning Support Worker at HWS is a rewarding role, I love the fact that I can make a difference to the children not just academically but socially and emotionally also. Although the job can be challenging, it only adds to the sense of reward when I see the progress the children make. One of the things I enjoy the most is being part of a fantastic team. We work together to create a supportive and inclusive environment for the students. It's amazing how we collaborate and share ideas to ensure that each child's unique needs are met. The school itself is a wonderful place to work. The positive atmosphere and the dedication of the staff make a difference to our students learning. Seeing the impact we have on the students and their families add to the sense of reward.”

We are looking for someone to work Monday to Friday across the school day: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00 am – 3.00 pm on Fridays (36.5 hours per week). The actual starting salary for 36.5 hours per week, for 38 weeks pa, is £19, 122 (FTA £22,500). NB pay award pending September 2024.

 We offer:

• Family friendly term time only working.
• A competitive salary and annual performance progression.
• Professional development support.
• Two weeks’ autumn half term.
• On site gym and cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution.

If you have further questions prior to submitting an application or would like to discuss the role or visit us, please contact HR on: 020 8398 7161 x1344 or email:  hr@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk. Application packs can be downloaded from our website.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Thursday 19 September 2024. 

Early applications are encouraged.

Hinchley Wood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The position advertised is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.