Learning Support Assistant

**WESTCLIFF HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS**

**LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT**

**Introduction**

Every School has its own traditions, its own ethos, its own identity, and its own purpose. The purpose of Westcliff High School for Boys (WHSB) is to provide an excellent education for our pupils, supporting them in their journey to adulthood by developing character and intellect within a happy and scholarly community.

To this end, WHSB provides exceptional teaching and a wealth of extra-curricular activities to develop the Learner Profile attributes in our pupils through a unique education filled with exciting, challenging, and enjoyable experiences. Today, we continue our proud tradition as a Grammar School serving pupils within the local community and actively promoting the wonderful opportunities we can offer to local children and their families.

**SUMMARY JOB DESCRIPTION**

To work in partnership with class teachers to support learning in line with the national curriculum, codes of practice and School policies and procedures. To provide support to pupils in particular curriculum area or support pupils with severe learning, behavioural, communication, social, sensory, or physical difficulties.

The Learning Support Assistant will normally be based on the School site, but may be required to work elsewhere from time to time in order to fulfil his/her responsibilities. This is a part-time position, term time only.

**DURATION**

This is a permanent position, 37.5 hours per week from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday, 38 weeks term time only.

**SALARY, HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT, and Pension**

Salary is paid at Point 6 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) £21,968, Actual Salary £19,011. There are 24 days’ holiday plus statutory public holidays paid per annum which are included within the salary. Holiday is deemed to be taken within the School closure period. Support Staff at Westcliff High School for Boys are automatically enrolled in the Essex Pension Fund (Local Government Scheme).

**LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY**

The Learning Support Assistant will be directly responsible to the Headmaster, Class Teachers and SENCo.

**Duties and resonsbilities**

The main duties and responsibilities are indicated below. Other duties of an appropriate level and nature may also be required, as directed by the Headmaster, Class Teachers, or SENCo.

**Job Specification**

Operational
- Promote the inclusion of children with Special Educational Needs within the classroom, ensuring access to lessons and their content through the provision of appropriate adjustment, explanation and resources.
- Work with individuals or small groups of children under the direction of teaching staff.
- Understand specific learning needs and provide differentiated support to pupils individually and within a group.
- Utilise expertise in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to assist pupils in regulating their emotions and skilfully intervene prior to escalation of behaviours where possible.
- Work with individuals to deliver 15-minute sessions on understanding emotion regulation and how to self-manage.
- Provide flexible supervision during Form time, break and lunchtimes.
- Implement planned learning activities/teaching programmes as agreed with the teacher, adjusting activities as appropriate.
- Establish positive relationships with pupils, through a compassionate and empathetic approach to the role.
- Provide feedback to pupils in relation to attainment and progress under the guidance of the teacher.
- Promote positive pupil behaviour in line with school policies.
- Participate in planning and evaluation of learning activities with the teacher.
- To attend to pupils’ personal needs including help with social, welfare, physical and health matters
- Liaise with staff and other relevant professionals and provide information about pupils as appropriate.
- To assist with escorting pupils on educational visits.
- To liaise with parents in supporting pupils.
- To assist with the preparation of relevant documentation eg EHCP support plan, under the guidance of the SENDCo.
- Attend relevant training and take responsibility for own development.
- Attend relevant school meetings, as required.
- To respect confidentiality at all times.

Administrative
- Ensure that all administrative duties, checks and documentation are completed to the required level of accuracy.
- Carry out administrative work to support student’s learning, including photocopying.

Relevant Experience
- Experience of working with young people with Special Educational Needs including those with SEMH, Autism, ADHD and Specific Learning Difficulties.
- Previous Classroom Assistant (or similar role) experience.
- Good literacy and numeracy skills are desirable and an ability to communicate effectively with young people.
- A relevant education, childcare, health or social care qualification at level 2 (e.g. Supporting Teaching and Learning in schools) is required.
- A relevant education, childcare, health or social car