[ref. s53368022] Learning and Support Assistant

What skills and experience we're looking for

Larwood SEMH School

About the role

Challenge for 2024!

Come and join an expanding Trust, where every child really does matter.

Learning and Support Assistant – November 2024

Fixed term contract for twelve months with the potential to be made permanent . Grade H4 - pro rata, based on 32 hours per week, Term Time Only + 5 Inset days

Achieve, believe, expect and enjoy!

Larwood School is a dynamic, exciting and successful primary day special school with an innovative and constantly evolving curriculum for boys and girls with social, emotional and mental health related difficulties.

Applications are invited for the position of Learning and Support Assistant (LASA) to start from November 2024

Good behaviour management skills, either whole class or with individual pupils is a key part of the role. Whilst training is available, experience of working with children in some capacity is advantageous. The ability to remain positive with pupils who may exhibit challenging and demanding behaviour, the ability to work with pupils to develop their social skills, follow school policies and maintain a sense of humour are all essential!

Ideally candidates are sought with experience of working with pupils with social, emotional and mental health related difficulties in a mainstream or Special School environment.

It is preferred if you have experience with class teaching and online/ remote teaching.

However, as already noted you may have been working with children in a different setting. You would be required to undertake a number of duties supporting pupils, which may include:

Behaviour management of individual pupils and classes of pupils - training will be provided.

You may have particular skills and a passion for developing certain areas of support within a particular subject area. If this is the case, this would be explored with you.

All staff are trained in the use of Hertfordshire Steps as a behaviour management system.

Candidates must have the ability to be flexible on a day-to-day basis.

GCSE English and Maths Grade C or above or equivalent qualification are essential.

What the school offers its staff

We were judged as ‘good’ by Ofsted in all areas during inspection in November 2022 and 'outstanding' for Behaviour. We became an academy school in Nov 2016 and are the lead school in a 2-school multi academy trust. We also provide outreach support for primary schools within Stevenage, focusing on behaviour management support strategies.We have a range of well-being initiatives and numerous opportunities for growth and development. This includes:

Financial benefits such as access to a range of discounts with various stores and activities via Perkbox

Direct access to a doctor at a time/place that suits you using Schools UK

Free staff fitness session (on site) each week

Dedicated staff attendance reward scheme

Access to counselling and physiotherapy should you need it (subject to conditions)

Dedicated training program

Opportunities for increased hours and responsibility where appropriate

All appointments are subject to the satisfactory completion of the necessary pre-employment checks, including two references, enhanced DBS certificate and occupational health checks as part of our safeguarding and induction procedures.

Please note also that prospective applicants with certain criminal records are barred from employment in regulated activity or from working in certain roles in a school setting.

We encourage visiting our school prior to submitting an application. Visit appointments will be by arrangement with Mrs Bianca Osobu, Head of School.

To arrange a time to visit please contact Mrs Emma O’Brien, Tel.No. 01438 236333.

Interview Date: w/c 7th October 2024.

Commitment to safeguarding

Larwood School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of its students and all staff are carefully vetted. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS checks.