Learning Support Assistant

Arden School, a successful high performing secondary school in Knowle, Solihull, are looking for a Learning Support Assistant to join our friendly and talented team. The Learning Support department is a strong team of 17 professional staff. There are 13 Learning Support assistants who support pupils in lessons and deliver interventions to small groups across the year groups. They are led by an Associate Assistant Headteacher SENCO and Leader of Learning Support, who manage the day to day running of the department and deployment of support staff across the school. The LSAs also support pupils in homework club before school, during lunchtime and after school.

At Arden we promote an inclusive atmosphere, all students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum that is delivered through high quality teaching and learning. In order to support our students with special educational needs we focus on quality first teaching with a particular emphasis on effective differentiation. This helps to ensure that students can access the curriculum whilst predominantly being taught in mainstream mixed ability classes. Teaching staff are supported by a highly skilled Learning Support team who work across the Key Stages providing in-class support for students who require it the most. At Arden we work with students who have specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, as well as students with sensory difficulties, physical conditions, ASD, ADHD, visual and hearing impairments.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver learning activities to pupils within an agreed system of supervision, adjusting activities according to pupil responses/needs.
• Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies against pre-determined learning objectives.
• Take an appropriate role in the development and implementation of appropriate behaviour management strategies.
• Provide objective, accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence.
• Deliver exam dispensations for students who require additional support and be flexible enough with time to be in work at the start and finish of student examinations even if these fall outside of contracted hours (any additional hours can be reclaimed in TOIL).
• Work with the school's agreed behaviour policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self-control and independence.
• Challenge and motivate pupils, promote and reinforce self-esteem.
• Participate in the marking of pupils' work and accurately record achievement/progress.
• Encourage children to value their experiences and knowledge.
• Make effective and efficient use of ICT for classroom and management support.
• Be familiar and keep up to date with the school's systems and structures as outlined in policy documents including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Child Protection policies.
• Be familiar and up to date with SEND Code of Practice.
• Supporting students in various clubs including Homework, Reading, Maths and Spelling Clubs and Peer Mentoring.
• Establish constructive relationships with parents/carers, exchange information, facilitate their support for their child's attendance and access to learning, and support home to school and community links.
• Establish constructive relationships with external specialists to ensure effective strategies are employed in classroom practices.
• Provide advice and guidance as required and appropriate.
• Develop and use effective communication systems appropriate to audience.
• Provide support and encouragement to children and young people.

Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience of working with children who have learning difficulties is desirable.
• Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant Qualifications or Supporting Teaching & Learning in School Certificate (Level 3), or willingness to work towards this, or Graduate qualification to enable support to be given to a subject within the school.
• Ability to orally communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• A caring and supportive disposition.

In return we can offer you:

• A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors.
• Enthusiastic students who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life.
• Access to high quality continuing professional development and the opportunity for personal growth and development.
• A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity.
• A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students.

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