Learning and Support Assistant at Larwood School

Brighter Futures Educational Trust

At Brighter Futures Educational Trust, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported in their learning. We are proud of our inclusive ethos and are committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, age, disability, or marriage and civil partnership.

If you are passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and want to make a meaningful difference every day, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

We are seeking a caring, resilient and motivated Learning and Support Assistant to become a secure and trusted adult for a designated group of students. You will play a vital role in helping learners feel safe, included and ready to engage with learning, while supporting their emotional wellbeing and personal development.

Working closely with teachers, support staff, families and external professionals, you will help students overcome barriers to learning and build the skills they need to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

What you’ll be doing

In this rewarding role, you will:

• Provide a consistent, secure base for a group or form of students
• Support learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs to make positive progress
• Build therapeutic and trusting relationships tailored to individual needs
• Help develop and implement Individual Education Plans, Behaviour Plans, Risk Assessments and care programmes
• Promote inclusion, self-esteem, resilience and independence
• Support the delivery of specialist and therapeutic interventions
• Track student progress and share insights with teachers, the SENCo and other professionals
• Work collaboratively with families, including home visits where appropriate
• Support learning in the classroom, small groups and one-to-one
• Encourage positive behaviour and help students take responsibility for their actions
• Contribute to a calm, purposeful and nurturing learning environment
• Take part in training, meetings and professional development activities
• Support students during breaktimes, trips and off-site activities when required

You will also be encouraged to develop your expertise through training and by working alongside psychologists, therapists and other specialists.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting young people with SEMH and additional needs
• Calm, adaptable and able to respond positively to challenge
• A strong team player who can also use initiative with confidence and professionalism
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people
• Willing to continue learning and developing their practice

Essential requirements include:

• GCSE Grade C or Level 2 equivalent in English and Maths (or Functional Skills)
• Excellent communication and behaviour management skills
• An understanding of barriers to learning and how to overcome them
• The ability to build positive relationships with students, families and colleagues

Desirable:

• Experience working with SEMH, challenging behaviour, ADHD and/or ASD
• Knowledge of therapeutic or alternative interventions
• A relevant qualification (e.g. Foundation Degree or Level 5)
• Confident use of IT to support learning
• A full driving licence and access to your own transport

Safeguarding and pre-employment checks

This post involves a high level of contact with children and vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An enhanced DBS check will be required as part of Larwood Academy Trust’s pre-employment checks.

As part of Brighter Futures Educational Trust’s safer recruitment process, references from current and previous employers will be sought for shortlisted candidates, and any discrepancies will be discussed at interview.

Why join us?

By joining Brighter Futures Educational Trust, you will become part of a supportive and dedicated team who are deeply committed to improving outcomes for young people. You’ll be supported in your professional development and given the opportunity to make a real, lasting impact.

• A structured induction and training programme (including Therapeutic Thinking).

• Opportunities to take on additional hours and responsibilities as you develop.

• Wellbeing benefits, including:

o Access to counselling and physiotherapy.

o Staff attendance rewards.

o A generous pension contribution with the LGPS

We are committed to developing our staff, recognising and valuing the contribution they make, and providing opportunities for professional growth and career progression, including pathways into teacher training and qualified teacher status.

If this sounds like the role for you, we would be delighted to receive your application.