Learning Support Assistant

Job Purpose To work in partnership with class teachers to support learning in line with the
national curriculum, codes of practice and the colleges policies and procedures.
To provide support to students in a particular curriculum area across the college
or support pupils with severe learning, behavioural, communication, social,
sensory or physical difficulties

Reports to SENDCO

Job role

• To support the Catholic ethos of the College


• Provides particular and skilled support to students with learning, behavioural, communication,

social, sensory or physical difficulties

• Works with individuals or small groups of students under the direction of teaching staff


• Understands specific learning needs and styles and provide differentiated support to students

individually and within a group

• Implements planned learning activities/teaching programmes as agreed with the teacher,

adjusting activities according to students responses as appropriate

• Establishes positive relationships with students supported


• Provides feedback to students in relation to attainment and progress under the guidance of the

teacher

• Supports students with activities which support literacy and numeracy skills


• Supports the use of ICT in the classroom and develop students competence and independence

in its use

• Promotes the inclusion and acceptance of children with special needs within the classroom

ensuring access to lessons and their content through appropriate clarification, explanation and
resources

• Promotes positive student behaviour in line with school policies and help keep students on task


• Participates in planning and evaluation of learning activities with the teacher, writing reports and

records as required

• Monitors and records student responses and learning achievements, drawing any problems

which cannot be resolved easily to the attention of the teacher

• Supports the learning by selecting appropriate resources/methods to facilitate agreed learning

activities

• Supervises students for limited and specified periods including break-times when the post holder

should facilitate games and activities

• Assists with escorting students on educational visits


• Understands and apply school policies in relation to health, safety and welfare


• Attends relevant training and take responsibility for own development


• Respects confidentiality at all times


• Deals effectively with any immediate problems or emergencies according to the school's

policies and procedures.

• To report back, as appropriate, using the school's agreed referral procedures on the behaviour

of pupils during the session, and any issues arising.

• To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal

responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion
with line manager, attending training sessions as required.,
• To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health & safety in the

workplace

• Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the College's Equal

Opportunities Policy

• The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and

young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment

This is a public facing role and the post holder must speak fluent English

The duties above are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be required by the
Principal to carry out additional duties within the context of the job, skills and grade


• able to challenge all students to make exceptional progress


• a strong team player who forms excellent relationships with staff, parents and students


• willing to support the strong Catholic ethos of our college, Grade C or above pass in English GCSE (or equivalent)

Grade C or above pass in Maths GCSE (or equivalent)
• 
  Experience of working with students across the secondary age range and
• 
  with learning difficulties or disabilities
  
  Personal Qualities
  Good organisational skills
• 
  Good communication skills
• 
  Good listening skills
• 
  Stamina, energy, resilience and sense of humour
• 
  Calm and patient
• 
  Team player
• 
  Flexible
• 
  
  Skills and abilities
  Ability to deal with challenging behaviour
• 
  Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to
• 
  confidentiality
  Ability to exchange routine verbal information clearly and sensitively with
• 
  students and adults
  Ability to observe and monitor progress and maintain records
• 
  Good understanding of the way in which children develop in relation to
• 
  the role
  Understand the importance of physical and emotional wellbeing
• 
  Ability to support student who maybe unwell
• 
  Ability to follow written and oral instructions and to carry out instructions.
• 
  Ability to motivate/encourage/empower students and adults.
• 
  Good understanding of the learning experience provided by the College
• 
  Establish effective relationships with those working in and with the
• 
  College
  Empathetic, assertive and a good role model
• 
  Able to work effectively in teams as member or leader
• 
  Able to self-manage, make decisions and work on own initiative
• 
  Ability to know when and how to seek support.
• 
  Able to ensure that tight, strict deadlines are met
• 
  Demonstrate a commitment to equality
• 
  Understanding of Health & Safety
• 
  Understand and comply with Safeguarding and Child Protection
• 
  procedures
  Demonstrate a clear commitment to develop and learn in the role
• 
  Able to effectively evaluate own performance
• 
  
  St Benedict's Catholic College is a highly respected and oversubscribed Roman Catholic 11-16 college

serving Christian families throughout north-east Essex, we strive to promote the values of our Christian
faith throughout our daily life.

Our 2023 Ofsted inspection found that we continue to be a good school, that we are a welcoming
school with a strong ethos of caring for pupils and promoting academic achievement. We are
recognised for many strengths of our college - as well as noting how well-behaved, confident and
happy our young people are.

Student attainment at GCSE in the core subjects of English and mathematics, and in science and
humanities subjects, is well above average. St Benedict's is a great place to be and I'm delighted that
you are interested in applying to be part of our team.

As our mission statement says, we are proud to be an inclusive community where spiritual, emotional
and academic growth are nurtured. We believe in putting learning first.

Our facilities are excellent and we have a rich variety of extra-curricular opportunities that underpin our
academic success. The college is set in pleasant, spacious grounds which include hard play areas,
playing fields and tennis courts. We have a well-equipped sports hall and fitness suite. Our chapel is
used regularly by students and staff for worship, prayer and quiet reflection.

St Benedict's students develop into happy, confident and self-aware young adults. There are many
opportunities for them to thrive and shine, through high quality teaching and numerous clubs and
activities.

There is a growing arts scene in the town, with two
highly acclaimed local theatres and the renowned
Firstsite and Minories Galleries hosting significant
art exhibitions and installations.


The town also benefits from a wide range of
excellent schools and colleges as well as being the
home of Essex University's main campus.


Colchester also benefits from superb transport links,
including excellent road links, direct rail lines going into
London (which is less than an hour away), and easy
access to London Stansted and London Southend
Airports which fly to a growing number of destinations
throughout Europe .