Learning Support Assistant

Abbey College

Details for applicants

Who are we?

The Learning Support department at Abbey College is made up of a community of staff with a wealth of knowledge to support our young people. We look to explore creative methods of teaching and learning to ensure every child within our community can succeed. Together with young people and their families we have high expectations and are passionate to create a supportive environment that students feel safe and supported. We are seeking to appoint someone that can support our ethos and add value to our team.

Would you like to visit us?

Informal visits are welcomed. We are not as far away as you think and driving through the countryside each morning is a very pleasant way to start you day! You’ll find us just 20-25 minutes from Peterborough and Huntingdon, and commutable from Cambridge too. Why not come and visit us so we can show you more of our school?

 What do I do if I want to know more before applying?

You are very welcome to come and visit our wonderful school, please just let us know and we will arrange a tour of the department and wider school. More information is available on our website. However, if you have any further questions, please contact Jessica Davey Jessica.davey@abbeycollege.cambs.sch.uk

Purpose of the Job:

Abbey College is looking for a candidate who is wanting to join our SEN team! We are seeking an enthusiastic, patient, reliable person who thrives in a fast-paced environment within our school. Although SEN experience is not essential, it is desirable and the candidate should have a keen interest in working with children that need additional support.

Support for children

• Under the direction of the teacher; support students in a small group setting
• Establish and maintain supportive relationships with individual students or small groups to ensure they understand and can achieve the tasks.
• Provide learning support as required for children with special needs, or where English is not their first language.
• Help with the care and support for students, including attending to their emotional and/or physical care needs.
• Support inclusion in the classroom, ensuring all students feel involved with tasks and activities

Support for the teacher

• Provide information to help the class teacher plan appropriate work programmes.
• Help to prepare the learning environment for use
• Contribute to the management of student behaviour and take control of minor situations to allow the teacher to continue the lesson
• Support for the school
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other staff.
• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and healthy environment.

Other Duties

• Complete administrative duties in relation to the SEN students
• To undertake any other reasonable duty as directed by the Headteacher or delegated alternative

Wellbeing

• Ensure all pupils have equal access to learning using appropriate strategies and resources, where necessary.
• Liaise with pastoral staff members to ensure the wellbeing of pupils and their full participation in school life.
• Raise any concerns regarding pupils’ behaviour with the relevant Raising Standards Lead.
• Implement any specific arrangements for individual pupils, ensuring that relevant staff members are aware of the measures in place.
• Provide individual pastoral support to pupils, where necessary.
• Continuously motivate and challenge pupils, whilst promoting and reinforcing self-esteem.

Safeguarding

• To have the ability to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
• Appreciate the significance of safeguarding and interprets this accurately for all individual children and young people whatever their life circumstances.
• To have a good understanding of the safeguarding agenda and can demonstrate an ability to contribute towards a safe environment.
• The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice and information in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Variation Clause

• This job description will be reviewed and updated periodically in order to ensure that it relates to the job performed or to incorporate any proposed changes. This procedure will be conducted by the Headteacher or line manager in consultation with the post-holder. In these circumstances it will be the aim to reach agreement on reasonable changes but if agreement is not possible management reserves the right to make changes to the job description following consultation.