Two Vacancies for Vision Impaired Learning Support Assistant
What skills and experience we're looking for
Previous experience of working in a school is not essential, full training on all our school systems will be provided as part of our staff induction programme.
We have a vacancy in our VI department to support pupils with a Vision impairment at KS3/KS4 in a mainstream context, and support them across the curriculum. Special interest in supporting PE lessons including football, cricket and basketball would be an advantage.The role will also support in all GCSE core subjects including Maths, Science, English and Technology.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate resilience, initiative, patience, and a passion for working with and assisting young people to learn. There are good opportunities for career progression and previous experience is not essential. Candidates must have proven literacy and numeracy skills, equivalent to GCSE grade C and above.
A working knowledge of Braille and/or the modification of resources for large print users is desirable but not essential as training will be given. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to gain accreditation in Braille and associated skills to support pupils with a vision impairment.
The VI Learning Support Assistant will be required to:
- demonstrate resilience, initiative, patience, and a passion for working with and assisting young people to learn. There are good opportunities for career progression and previous experience is not essential. Candidates must have proven literacy and numeracy skills, equivalent to GCSE grade C and above.
- be a member of a strong support team, working towards the integration of pupils with a vision impairment.
- assist in the classroom management of pupil(s) with a vision impairment.
- have classroom responsibility for the use, care and safety of VI specialist technology.
- liaise with mainstream teaching staff to effect appropriate adaptation of materials.
- support in alternative study periods/curricular activities for individual pupils, in the development of their whole school independence, helping to raise standards of achievement.
- occasionally support pupils with a vision impairment on out of hours educational visits, sporting locations etc.
- modify materials within a specific subject area, designed to meet individual needs and in co-operation with the subject and specialist teachers of the visually impaired, provide adaptation to text:
v Modify text to appropriate large print using Microsoft Office software or Braille, using scanners, Braille Notes, laptops and specialist software.
v Adapt diagrams for large print and tactile users.
v Prepare 3D models
v Re-align original text for photocopy enlargement- be professionally discrete and able to respect confidentiality on all issues.
- Have a professional and positive attitude at all times.
- have good communication skills and able to clarify and explain instructions clearly.
- understand the implications of individual pupil’s vision impairment .
- have well-developed interpersonal skills and sense of humour enabling relationships with a variety of people.
- support individual pupils in the development of their personal best and have the ability to motivate and encourage pupils appropriately whilst adhering to the professional approach.
- work independently and with initiative.
- provide written contributions for reports, PIP (Personalised Information Plan) and EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan) reviews.
- provide on-going feedback to the Manager of the Resource for effective support of individuals.
- assist in the keeping of records and the maintenance of materials and equipment.
- attend team meetings and curriculum team meetings when necessary.
- undertake any duties, which may reasonably be regarded as within the duties of the post as defined.
- To support the Manager, the deputy manager and the HLTA with general administration in regards to the day to day organisation and running of the resource.
- Support assistants will be given the opportunity to develop specific skills in an identified area of the curriculum, as far as possible designed to suit their interests.
What the school offers its staff
The opportunity to increase personal knowledge, professional development in vision impairment and the role of the VI LSA will be offered internally and on external courses
Support assistants will be given the opportunity to develop specific skills in an identified area of the curriculum, as far as possible designed to suit their interests.
This post is an excellent way to gain experience in a secondary school setting where the role of the Learning Support Assistant is valued by pupils, parents, and staff. If you have the skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to work with young people with a vision impaired, we would like to hear from you.Please see the Candidate Application pack for further information.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.