Educational Support Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Learning Support Assistant

Reports to: SENDCo (Assistant Head)

Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours) or part-time (flexible hours)

Annual Weeks: Term time plus 5 inset days (34 weeks)

Employee Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on the Canbury Curriculum Support Staff Scale
• Contributory pension plan
• Death in Service benefits
• Healthcare cash plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Complimentary eye examinations
• Cycle to Work initiative
• Customized LSA Training Program
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Comprehensive benefits package available

Why Choose Canbury School?

At Canbury, we embrace individuality, recognizing that each student is unique. Our approach to education and support is tailored to celebrate these differences, allowing us to nurture their distinct talents.

If you are someone who sees potential in every situation, we invite you to consider joining our team. We are looking for a dedicated individual with a proactive mindset. Learning Support Assistants play a crucial role in upholding our values and mission, and we take pride in the exceptional support we provide to our students.

Our staff are committed to fostering an environment that encourages the best in every student. We expect a high level of mutual respect and collaboration, and being part of a dynamic team is essential. You should be prepared to work effectively within a busy educational setting.

At Canbury, our students are at the center of all we do, and we strive to go above and beyond for their benefit. It is vital that you have a passion for supporting neurodiverse learners.

Role Purpose

To facilitate access to learning for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and any other emerging requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Support for Students:

• Supervise and provide tailored assistance to students, particularly those with special needs, ensuring their safety and engagement in learning activities.
• Assist in the creation and execution of Student Passports and other progress monitoring tools.
• Build positive relationships with students, serving as a role model and responding appropriately to their individual needs.
• Encourage inclusion and acceptance among all students, promoting interaction while fostering independence where suitable.
• Provide in-class and withdrawal support for individual students and small groups across various subjects.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external professionals, such as Speech and Language Therapists and Educational Psychologists, to enhance student support.
• Help develop resources tailored for student needs.
• Support students facing personal, emotional, social, and behavioral challenges by providing a listening ear and fostering a sense of value and respect.
• Enhance students' cognitive skills by reinforcing concepts and addressing queries to aid understanding.
• Encourage problem-solving skills by offering opportunities for investigation and promoting diverse information sources.
• Motivate all students to engage in the extracurricular activities offered by the school.
• Monitor and document student progress, preparing reports for those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) as necessary.
• Assist students in overcoming learning barriers through solution-focused activities, both in and out of the classroom, to help them reach their full potential.
• Contribute to raising standards and achievements for students with SEND by enhancing their self-esteem and aspirations.

Support for Teachers:

• Prepare classrooms for lessons as directed and ensure they are organized afterwards.
• Help maintain a purposeful, safe, and supportive learning environment in line with lesson plans.
• Utilize strategies, in collaboration with the teacher, to help students achieve their learning objectives.
• Assist in planning educational activities.
• Support the teacher in managing student behavior, reporting issues as necessary.
• Gather and relay information between parents, students, and teachers as directed.
• Administer routine assessments, supervise examinations, and assist with the marking of student work.
• Support subject leaders by personalizing resources for individual or small group needs and assisting with assessment and reporting.
• Advise on the effective use of specialized aids and resources.

Support for the School:

• Contribute to the school's vision and ethos.
• Adhere to policies and procedures related to child protection, safeguarding, and all school regulations, including health and safety, confidentiality, and data protection.
• Recognize and support diversity, ensuring all students have equal access to learning opportunities.
• Attend relevant meetings as required.
• Engage in training and professional development activities as needed.
• Support the tutor during morning and afternoon sessions, including taking attendance when necessary.
• Supervise students during breaks and outside of lessons as required.
• Accompany teaching staff and students on outings and events, taking responsibility for a group under supervision.
• Provide cover for absent colleagues when necessary.
• Maintain high standards of personal presentation, attendance, and punctuality.
• Participate in the Canbury LSA Training Program.

Benefits of Working at Canbury School:

• Supportive and knowledgeable colleagues
• High ratio of classroom support staff
• 34-week academic year
• Maximum class sizes of 15
• Generous planning and preparation time
• Promoted work/life balance
• Excellent transport links
• Competitive salary on the Canbury Curriculum Support Staff Scale
• Defined Contribution pension scheme
• Outstanding professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program, including:
• 24-hour Health & Medical Information Service
• Legal Advice Helpline
• 24-hour Counseling Helpline Service
• Healthcare cash plan
• Complimentary eye tests and flu vaccinations
• Cycle to Work initiative
• Tailored LSA Training Program linked to pay progression
• Regular staff social events and clubs

Extra-Curricular Contributions:

All staff are encouraged to engage in extra-curricular activities and assist with occasional evening events, such as school productions.

Induction, Review, and Professional Development:

A comprehensive induction training program is provided at the start of employment and continues throughout the first year.

The school is dedicated to the ongoing professional development of its staff, with an annual review process conducted by a line manager.

We have a strong commitment to staff development, offering meaningful opportunities at various career stages.

Canbury School prioritizes the safeguarding of its students. All staff must complete Child Protection Training as part of their induction and every three years thereafter.

Supervision Arrangements:

The school will establish supervision arrangements in accordance with current management structures and job requirements.

Equal Opportunities Commitment:

All duties and responsibilities will be carried out with respect to the school's equal opportunities policies.

This job description is intended to be enabling rather than restrictive; it serves as an outline of the role's responsibilities and may be amended to reflect the school's evolving needs.

Canbury School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.