Vacancy: Learning Support Assistant – Full Time (Term Time Only)

Location: Winchester
Salary: £14.25 per hour
Hours: Full time, term time only

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and compassionate Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a specialist primary school in the Winchester area. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and wants to make a meaningful difference to their educational, social and emotional development.

The successful candidate will work with pupils aged 4–11 years, supporting children with moderate learning difficulties and associated needs. You will play an important role in helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop their confidence and independence, and enjoy positive experiences within school.

About the Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and other members of the school team to provide consistent, individualised support throughout the school day. Your role will involve helping pupils to access lessons, participate in activities and develop the practical and emotional skills they need to become more independent learners.

Support may be provided on a one-to-one basis, in small groups or within the wider classroom environment, depending on each pupil's individual needs.

You may be involved in:

• Supporting pupils to access and engage with classroom learning and activities

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support where required

• Helping children develop communication, social and interaction skills

• Encouraging independence, confidence and positive attitudes towards learning

• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and managing challenges in a calm and consistent way

• Helping children develop appropriate strategies to manage their emotions and behaviour

• Adapting activities and resources to help pupils participate successfully in lessons

• Supporting pupils during transitions, break times, lunchtimes and other parts of the school day

• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries

• Working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to ensure pupils receive consistent support

• Following individual support plans, school procedures and safeguarding requirements

• Encouraging pupils to develop life skills and greater independence wherever possible

The role of an SEN Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant is about much more than providing academic support. You will be an important source of encouragement and stability for pupils who may experience challenges with communication, learning, emotional regulation, confidence or social interaction. By providing patient, consistent and positive support, you can help children recognise their strengths and make progress at their own pace.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from candidates with a range of professional and personal backgrounds. Previous experience of working within a school or specialist education setting is beneficial, but applicants who have relevant transferable skills and a genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs are also encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:

• A genuine passion for helping children learn, develop and succeed

• Patience, empathy and a calm approach

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Reliability, consistency and a strong sense of responsibility

• The ability to build positive relationships with children and adults

• Confidence working as part of a wider education team

• The ability to remain calm and supportive when children are experiencing difficulties

• A willingness to learn and develop knowledge of SEND

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Experience of supporting children with SEND, autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, communication needs, behavioural needs or emotional regulation difficulties would be advantageous, although full consideration will be given to applicants with strong transferable experience.

This could be an excellent opportunity for someone currently working as a teaching assistant, SEN teaching assistant, support worker, youth worker, childcare professional or similar, as well as individuals looking to develop their career within specialist education.

Training and Development

The school provides a supportive environment where staff are encouraged to develop their skills and understanding of SEND. You will have access to ongoing training and professional development, including SEND-focused training and PRICE training, helping you build confidence in supporting pupils with a range of additional needs.

You will also have the opportunity to learn from experienced teaching and support staff and gain valuable experience within a specialist primary school environment.

Key Details

• Full-time position

• Term time only

• Based in Winchester

• £14.25 per hour

• Specialist primary school setting

• Supporting pupils aged 4–11

• Opportunity to work with children with moderate learning difficulties and associated needs

• Ongoing training and professional development

• SEND and PRICE training provided

• Supportive, structured and well-resourced working environment

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants a role where their work has a genuine and lasting impact. Every day will bring opportunities to help pupils overcome challenges, celebrate progress and develop the skills they need for greater independence.

Whether you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant or are looking to take your first step into specialist education, this role offers the opportunity to develop professionally while making a real difference to the lives of children.

If you are patient, resilient, caring and motivated to help children with additional needs reach their potential, we would be very pleased to hear from you.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, in accordance with the school's safeguarding procedures.

If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to develop your experience in SEND and become part of a supportive specialist school community, we encourage you to apply.

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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