Learning Support Assistant

Job Purpose: 

Be involved, throughout the day, with the whole school and class environment where it serves the named pupil’s needs to enable the teacher, who is the lead practitioner, to implement the curriculum and respond to pupils’ needs.  To assist in promoting the learning and personal development of the named pupil and to maintain complete confidentiality on all school matters.  Work may be carried out in the classroom or outside the main teaching area.

• Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values.
• Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical work day, where the tasks require additional commitment.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
• Perform other duties as requested by direct & dotted reporting line managers / supervisors

Support for pupil

• Supervise and facilitate individual support for the named pupil, with particular reference to IEP targets, ensuring their safety and access to learning activities, including, where appropriate, specialist lessons.
• Supervise the named pupil in small group or one to one learning activities in school in or away from the main teaching area if group work is in the named pupil’s interests
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with the named pupil to support their learning, promoting self- confidence and independence
• Assist pupils to develop skills both within the accessible curriculum and on the IEP on a one to one or group setting.
• Working with the named pupil recognizing when it is necessary to make adjustments to planned activities in order to enable a pupil to access the curriculum and/or IEP fully and make progress
• Encourage the named pupil to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher.
• Promote pupil’s self-esteem, independence, academic, physical and social inclusion and acceptance
• Support use of ICT in learning activities and develop pupil’s competence and independence in its use
• Supervise the named pupils at play/leisure breaks, as agreed with the class teacher, at times of transition between lessons and activities, and on arrival to class and before departure.
• Provide informal feedback to the named pupil in relation to progress and achievement under the guidance of the teacher.
• Have realistically high expectations of the named pupil; respect their social, cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and be committed to raising their educational achievements.
• Use behaviour management strategies, in line with the school’s policy and procedures.
• Attend swimming lessons, either to be on the side of the pool or to enter the water, as required by the Head of Inclusion and the Head of PE.
• If the LSA pupil is absent report to the Head of Inclusion.

• Knowledge of strategies which promote good behaviour and discipline
• Support ethos of the learning environment
• Caring and tolerant
• Ability to acquire further knowledge in order to contribute effectively and with confidence to classes in which involved.
• Understanding of relevant specialist area (e.g. subject area, Key Stage) sufficient to pupils’ learning
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively communicate with pupils, parents and colleagues
• Time management and organisation skills
• Literacy and Numeracy skills
• ICT capability

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.