1:1 Junior Learning Support Assistant
1:1 Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Role Purpose: We are seeking a compassionate, patient, and experienced 1:1 Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to support a Year 1 child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in a child’s school experience by providing tailored support, ensuring access to learning, and promoting emotional and social development.
Reporting to: Head of Junior School (with guidance from the Individual Needs Coordinator)Hours of work: 8.30-16.10 Monday to Friday, during term time plus INSET days, job share would be considered (8.30-11.45/11.45-16.10)
This is a fixed term contract directly linked to the attendance of the specific child and associated funding.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide individualised support to the child, adapting approaches to meet their specific needs.
- Work collaboratively with the class teacher, Individual Needs Coordinator, and external professionals to implement targets set in the child’s Support and Achievement Plan (SAP)
- Ensure the child receives consistent and tailored support.
- Use Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) -friendly strategies, including low-demand approaches, flexibility, and relationship-based support.
- Support the child in managing transitions, social interactions, and emotional regulation.
- Encourage engagement in learning while reducing anxiety through a child-led, nurturing approach.
- Foster independence, confidence, and self-esteem in a safe and supportive environment.
- Maintain clear communication with parents and the wider school team.
- Support the child in accessing specialist lessons, facilitating smooth transitions and engagement.
General Responsibilities:
- Ensure the safety and well-being of the child and their peers within the classroom and school grounds, following the school’s Health and Safety policy.
- Support in risk assessment procedures on a daily, weekly, and annual basis as required.
- Participate in professional development programmes and attend INSET days to enhance skills and understanding of SEND strategies.
- Carry out any additional duties within the role of a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant, as reasonably required.
- Assist in the daily organisation and preparation of learning materials, as well as general classroom upkeep, under the direction of the Class Teacher and Individual Needs Coordinator.
- Maintain an ethos of mutual trust and respect in an environment that is free from the fear of ridicule.
- Provide general pupil supervision duties as required.
Person Specification:
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience of working with children with ASD particularly in an educational setting.
- A patient, flexible, and empathetic approach, with an understanding of anxiety-driven behaviours.
- Knowledge of PDA strategies and experience in implementing them effectively.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, working collaboratively with staff and families.
- The ability to remain calm and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
- Relevant qualifications or training in SEND (desirable but not essential).
Summary of main terms and conditions:
- Actual salary £16,636
- Term time only role, 35.8 hours per week
- Pro rata of 28 days annual leave (to include bank holidays)
- Coffee and lunch provided free of charge during term time
- Contributory occupational pension scheme
- Financial advice service
- Group life assurance
- Perkbox - retail discounts, flexi points and wellbeing content
- Free parking
- The role of 1:1 LSA is inextricably linked to the attendance of the specific child and associated funding.
If you are passionate about supporting children with SEND, and believe you have the skills to provide nurturing, individualised support, we would love to hear from you.
The post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the school’s Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy and Safeguarding Guidance at all times.If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, s/he must report any concerns to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or to the Principal.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check as part of our recruitment process.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.