Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistants Needed – Supporting Children with SEMH Needs in Andover

£13.75 per hour | Full-time or part-time | Term-time only

A specialist primary school in Andover is seeking friendly and dedicated Learning Support Assistants to join their welcoming team. The role involves supporting children aged 6–11 who need extra help with their social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH), helping them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

About the Pupils

The pupils often have Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs) and may face challenges such as:

• Emotional and behavioural difficulties

• Anxiety or low self-esteem

• Struggles with social communication and peer relationships

• Past experiences making school difficult

Many of these children have had challenging experiences in previous school settings and need a patient, kind, and consistent person to help them feel safe, valued, and supported.

Role Responsibilities

The Learning Support Assistants will:

• Build trusting relationships with pupils to help them feel secure and confident

• Support pupils’ learning, emotional wellbeing, and social skills inside and outside the classroom

• Use positive, calm strategies to support behaviour management

• Provide clear routines and boundaries to create a safe and nurturing environment

• Collaborate closely with teachers, therapists, and other professionals

• Support children with sensory needs and transitions

• Encourage resilience, confidence, and a positive attitude toward school

Each day brings new opportunities and challenges, but the role offers the rewarding experience of making a meaningful difference in young lives.

Ideal Candidates

The school welcomes applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including:

• Those with experience in SEMH settings, alternative education, youth work, or healthcare roles

• Individuals with real-world experience supporting children or young people in challenging circumstances

• Anyone who approaches their work with calmness, patience, and a caring, consistent attitude

Requirements

Candidates should have:

• A genuine desire to work with children with SEMH and belief in their potential

• Patience, a good sense of humour, and the ability to stay calm under pressure

• Strong teamwork skills to work alongside teaching and support staff

• Willingness to engage in training, reflective practice, and supervision

• A current DBS or willingness to obtain one

Benefits

• £13.75 per hour, paid weekly

• Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development in trauma-informed practice and behaviour support

• A supportive and collaborative team environment

• The chance to have a positive impact on children’s lives every day

• Opportunities for career growth within SEND and SEMH fields

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV to be considered for this meaningful opportunity.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All positions are subject to Enhanced DBS checks and suitable references.

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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