Learning Support Assistant (Chigwell)

Learning Support Assistant (Pastoral Support)
Location: Chigwell 
Job Type: Full-Time, Long Term
Salary: Pay to Scale (dependent on experience)

A highly supportive Primary Residential SEMH School in Chigwell is seeking a compassionate, resilient, and committed Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join their pastoral team. This is a rewarding opportunity to support children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in both their academic progress and personal development.

About the Role

As a Learning Support Assistant specialising in pastoral support, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group emotional and behavioural support to pupils with SEMH needs.

• Build positive, trusting relationships that help pupils regulate emotions and engage with learning

• Assist in creating a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic learning environment.

• Work closely with pastoral leads, therapists, and residential staff to support pupils’ holistic development.

• Help pupils develop social skills, resilience, confidence, and independence.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children with SEMH or behavioural needs (school, residential care, youth work, or similar).

• Is emotionally resilient, patient, and calm under pressure.

• Can build strong, consistent relationships with vulnerable pupils.

• Has strong communication skills and a team-focused mindset.

• Is committed to safeguarding and supporting pupils’ welfare at all times.

Why Join This School?

• A highly nurturing and structured SEMH setting with exceptional staff support.

• Opportunities for professional development (Team Teach, safeguarding, therapeutic training).

• A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need strong, positive role models.

All applicants must be willing to undergo vetting checks as part of the school’s commitment to Safeguarding and Anti-bullying. This will include:

• Enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to apply through us)
• Two recent references (covering the past 24 months)
• Overseas Police Check (if applicable – for candidates who have lived outside the UK for 3+ months in the past 5 years)

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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