Learning Support Assistant (SEND)

Vacancy: Learning Support Assistant – Full Time (Term Time Only)
Location: Winchester
Salary: £14.25 per hour

Make a Difference Every Day in Specialist Education

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a specialist primary school in the Winchester area, supporting pupils aged 4–11 with moderate learning difficulties and associated additional needs.

This is a full-time, term-time only opportunity to become part of a highly supportive and rewarding specialist education environment where every achievement matters and every day brings the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.

Whether you already have experience in education, SEND, care, youth work, childcare, healthcare, residential support or are looking to begin a career in specialist education, we welcome applications from individuals who are patient, adaptable, and committed to helping children thrive.

About the School Environment

Working in a specialist school is different from mainstream education. The focus extends beyond academic achievement and places equal importance on developing communication, emotional wellbeing, confidence, independence, and life skills.

Pupils benefit from smaller class sizes, structured routines, tailored teaching approaches, and enhanced adult support throughout the school day. The school creates a calm, nurturing, and inclusive environment designed to help children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

Staff work collaboratively to understand each child’s individual strengths, needs, and learning style, creating personalised approaches that enable pupils to make progress at their own pace and celebrate success in meaningful ways.

The Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider school team to provide day-to-day support for pupils across the classroom and school environment.

You may support children individually, in small groups, or as part of whole-class learning activities. Your role will involve helping pupils access education, build social confidence, develop independence, and engage positively with their learning.

No two days are the same, and success in this role comes from building positive relationships and understanding how to adapt support to meet individual needs.

Responsibilities Include

• Supporting pupils during lessons and helping them access learning activities

• Delivering individual and small-group interventions under teacher guidance

• Encouraging communication, social interaction, and confidence building

• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour approaches

• Assisting pupils during transitions and throughout the wider school day

• Helping to maintain a calm, structured, and inclusive learning environment

• Promoting independence and celebrating progress, however small

• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and wider school staff

• Contributing to pupil observations and progress monitoring

Who We’re Looking For

We are interested in hearing from people who bring empathy, resilience, and a genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs.

You may have experience in:

• Education or classroom support

• SEND or specialist provision

• Residential childcare or care settings

• Youth work or mentoring

• Nursery, early years, or childcare environments

• Healthcare, therapy, or support work

• Customer-facing or people-centred roles with transferable skills

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Patience, reliability, and a positive attitude

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• The ability to remain calm and adaptable

• Confidence working collaboratively as part of a team

• A commitment to helping children achieve their potential

Training and Development

This role provides excellent opportunities for professional development and specialist training.

You will have access to:

• Ongoing SEND training and development

• PRICE (Protecting Rights in a Caring Environment) training

• Specialist approaches to supporting communication and learning

• Practical strategies for supporting emotional regulation and behaviour

• Opportunities to develop experience within specialist education and SEND

This position can provide valuable experience for individuals considering future careers in:

• Teaching

• Educational Psychology

• Speech and Language Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

• Specialist Education and SEND leadership

What We Offer

• £14.25 per hour

• Full-time, term-time only working pattern

• Small class sizes and enhanced staffing support

• A welcoming and collaborative school community

• Access to specialist training and development

• A highly rewarding role where your support has visible impact every day

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.

If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to build a career in specialist education and support children to develop confidence, independence, and lifelong skills, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply with your up-to-date CV and a member of our team will be in touch.

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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