Learning Support Assistant

About the School - Little Downsend, Leatherhead

Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged 6-16 years attend the main, preparatory school site in Leatherhead.

Little Downsend Leatherhead, located just a 5 minute walk from the Junior and Senior School, possesses its own special character, with large bright, well equipped classrooms, brimming with interactive activities. Little Downsend Leatherhead has the largest outdoor area of the three schools, with over an acre of garden space including playgrounds, astro turfed sports area and a magnificent forest school zone.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced  Learning Support Assistant to join our fantastic team starting September 2024 on a Fixed Term Contract. Working Monday – Friday (9am-12pm) term time supporting a child in Reception. This is a FTC for the school year.  

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About the role

To assist in promoting the education and welfare of pupils, having regard to the aims and objectives of Little Downsend School and its policies. To work under the direct instruction of the SENCO, to support individuals and small groups within and outside the classroom.

You will supervise and support a pupil or pupils in Little Downsend, ensuring their safety and access to learning, including their Special Educational Needs and English with an additional language (where relevant). Maintain good order and discipline and pastoral care of pupils, and safeguard their health and safety both on and off the School premises and encourage pupils to develop self-discipline, self-esteem, confidence and independence.

To view the full Job Description, Click Here

Who we are looking for: 

To be considered for this role you will ideally have a Level 3 qualification in supporting teaching and learning for children with special needs, or experience supporting children 1:1 in a learning support role. We are looking for someone who has knowledge and understanding of child development and the ways in which children learn and develop and a commitment to the provision of high-quality learning in the Early Years and KS1.

Benefits at Cognita

•Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience 

•Free lunch provided during Term Time 

•School fee discount 

•Exclusive third-party discounts 

•Professional Development 

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is:  8th August 2024

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. 

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.