Job Description: Learning Support Assistant  

Location: Hillary Primary School, Walsall, WS2 9BP

Contract Type: Permanent 

Salary: Learning Support Assistant - Level 3 (32.5 hours) Term Time Only Grade 5 point 12 to 17

Main Purpose of the Role  

As a Learning Support Assistant at Hillary Primary School, you will play a vital role in supporting the social, emotional, and academic development of pupils within our diverse and vibrant primary school community. You will work closely with pupils, teachers, parents, and the pastoral team to implement the Thrive, Approach, supporting children’s wellbeing behaviour, and mental health. Your contribution will be essential in helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, thrive emotionally, and achieve their full potential.  

Hillary Primary serves a multicultural community with 97% of pupils from minority ethnic groups, 68.7% with English as an Additional Language, and 21.8% of pupils with SEND. Many pupils come from highly deprived backgrounds, and your role will be pivotal in fostering inclusion, resilience, and positive engagement aligned with our school vision and values.  

Key Responsibilities and Duties 

Thrive Approach Implementation

Deliver targeted Thrive interventions to support pupils’ social and emotional wellbeing. 

•      Provide one-to-one and small group support tailored to pupils’ individual needs.

         Respond sensitively and effectively to pupils’ behavioural and emotional needs using a restorative approach and principles of reparative justice. 

•      Collaborate with teaching staff and parents to develop and implement individual and group action plans.   

         Monitoring and Reporting 

•      Monitor pupil progress and behavioural changes, adapting support strategies accordingly.

         Maintain accurate and confidential records of interventions, communications, and pupil progress. 

   •   Participate in regular pastoral team meetings to review and plan pupil support. 

         Liaison and Collaboration 

•       Work closely with teachers, parents, and external agencies to ensure coordinated support for pupils. 

•       Share best practice and contribute to whole-school strategies for improving pupil wellbeing and behaviour. 

•       Support pupils during transition periods to foster continuity and confidence. 

Supporting Inclusion and Equal Opportunities 

•       Promote the school’s ethos of inclusion and acceptance of all pupils regardless of background or ability. 

•       Support pupils with English as an Additional Language and those from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

•       Assist in creating a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment. 

General Duties 

•       Adhere to all school policies including safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection. 

•       Attend relevant training and professional development activities. 

•       Support school events such as assemblies and parents’ evenings as required. 

Skills and Competencies 

•       Knowledge of the Thrive Approach and social/emotional learning strategies. 

•       Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and parents from diverse backgrounds. 

•       Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, tailored to varied audiences including pupils with EAL and SEND. 

•       Patience, empathy, and resilience when working with pupils facing social, emotional, or behavioural challenges. 

•       Ability to work independently and as part of a team, showing initiative and reliability.   Organisational skills to maintain detailed records and manage multiple interventions.   Understanding of restorative practice principles and their application in a school setting. 

•       Cultural awareness and sensitivity to support our diverse school community. 

•       Basic proficiency in ICT to support record keeping and learning activities. 

Professional Development 

Hillary Primary values continuous professional growth and offers opportunities for Learning Support Assistants to develop their skills through:  

•       Regular training on the Thrive Approach, behaviour management, safeguarding, and inclusion. 

•       Access to CPD sessions tailored to supporting pupils with SEND, EAL, and social-emotional needs. 

•       Participation in staff meetings and collaborative learning communities. 

•       Opportunities to share good practice and contribute to school-wide initiatives. 

•       Support for career progression within the school or wider education sector. 

Safeguarding 

Hillary Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils. As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:  

•       Ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils is a priority in all aspects of your work. 

•       Be familiar with and adhere to the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures.   Report any concerns about pupil welfare or safeguarding immediately to the designated safeguarding lead. 

•       Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. 

•       Participate in safeguarding training and updates as required. 

•       Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all pupils.  

All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks in line with statutory requirements.  

This job description reflects the key responsibilities and expectations for the Learning Support Assistant role at Hillary Primary School, tailored to our unique school context, vision, and values. 

Your appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of a period of probationary service of 12 weeks or such longer period as the Forge Brook Trust may require of you. During your probationary period, you will be expected to demonstrate your suitability for the post. You should ensure you have been issued with a copy of the employee guidelines on probation, which are available from the Academy. 

The role of Learning Support Assistant is based at Hillary Primary School. However, employees may be required to work at or transfer between academies within the Trust, either on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the operational needs of the Trust. Reasonable notice will be given, and consideration will be given to personal circumstances wherever possible. 

If you would like to visit school please email Satvinder Patel, School Administration Manager spatel@hillary.walsall.sch.uk to arrange a suitable time. 

Closing Date:  Friday 15^th May 2026 at 2pm.

Interviews shall take place week commencing 18^th May 2026.