Learning Support Assistant

Are you looking to work somewhere completely different?

The Green Room Kingsley is a school situated on a farm on the Hampshire/Surrey border. We have 30 pupils, aged 11-16, on roll currently and we are expanding to 40 pupils. They all have SEND needs and have all disconnected with mainstream education for a range of reasons. We work together as a team to overcome barriers and struggles, building trust with our pupils allowing them to gain social skills, courage and knowledge to help them in later life. We hold high expectations of both students and staff.

Our success relies first on GRK being a place of safety where pupils feel they can grow and thrive, our first and foremost value being kindness. We then aim to spark a passion for curiosity which broadens our pupils experience, perceptions and understanding of the world and the community they live in. Our final purpose being to increase aspirations and enact positive change.

Pupils currently study a range of subjects from Maths and English to Land Based Studies and Bushcraft. We use our unusual setting to its full potential, utilising its therapeutic nature to allow the academic lessons to happen. Whilst we offer something different we strive to achieve GCSEs or equivalent in Year 11 and achieve this with regular small class lessons and 1:1 interventions from Year 7 - 11.

We have a new position for a Learning Support Assistant to join our growing school. Working with our teachers, the role will provide support to pupils in lessons. In addition, we are looking for someone with confidence in Maths and English to allow them to plan for 1:1 and small group sessions, assess and feedback on progress. Differentiation is key for this role to close gaps in their learning. You will also have the opportunity to work in other areas of the curriculum, including lessons outside on the farm, as well as offering coaching and mentoring to individual pupils. All staff are actively involved in the whole school day, this includes leading a vertical tutor group, having lunch with pupils and joining with group sport.

SEND experience is not necessary but a desire to help young people reach their potential and overcome barriers is imperative.

Package includes competitive salary based on experience and expertise for this full time role in addition to eligibility for our pension scheme, Benenden Healthcare, Death in Service benefit, lunches, DBS, statutory training and role-specific training as needed.

Take a look at our website www.thegreenroomschool.comand our social media to learn more about our schools and to view the job description. If this is you, send us your CV and a covering letter explaining why.

JOB TITLE: Learning Support Assistant

LOCATION: Kingsley, Hampshire

REPORTING TO: Head of School

PURPOSE OF THE LSA ROLE:

To provide support to the Teacher whilst they perform their daily tasks in the learning environment with an assigned group of young people. Be responsible for making the learning environment ready for teaching prior to the beginning of each session and helping the teacher whilst the session is in progress. Ensure the pupils are following their schemes of work and life plans as set by the teacher. Outside session times perform administrative tasks and make sure that the teacher is satisfied with the learning environment. Take part in all kinds of sessions and activities throughout a typical working day. Ensure the safety and welfare of the pupils during on-site and off-site activities. Promote the aims of our organisation, and reinforce our ethos. Most importantly inspire our pupils to be kind, brave and honest and true to themselves.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coaching assigned pupils, providing them with time to talk and in response give guidance and kindness.

Preparing the physical learning environment for sessions/workshops/activities.

Being ‘on duty’ at all lunch times to ensure a calm, safe environment for the young people.

Ensuring that learning materials are ready for use.

Helping the teacher to plan sessions.

Helping pupils who have learning difficulties to complete tasks.

Leading lessons for pupils as required; imparting your passions to our pupils.

Planning and leading 1-2-1 lessons with pupils to accelerate their progress, and close learning gaps.

Taking charge of group activities and making sure all pupils are involved.

Initiate engaging activities related to cultural themes and personal interests.

Providing general encouragement for all the pupils in the class.

Taking extra time to explain the learning material to pupils who have not understood it the first time.

Helping teachers to assess the work and providing feedback to the pupils.

To reinforce boundaries at all times, and ensure safety and well being.

To plan opportunities to develop social, emotional and sporting needs of each pupil.

To actively participate in staff briefings and team meetings where appropriate.

To take part in the wide range of events, trips and activities on offer throughout the year.

This is a full time (40 hours per week) term time role, 8:30am - 4:30pm.

As the school develops, additional tasks may be required and added to this job description.

KEY CRITERIA:

This position requires a proactive self-starter, who initiates ideas and activities and invests fully in our pupils successes and their interests to build their self esteem. We are seeking innovation, energy, and positivity whilst balancing the views and responsibilities of others, whilst working cohesively within our team.

We require a calm, polite, non-judgemental person who can work quickly and precisely, can multi-task and organise their work despite interruptions to deliver to deadlines.

Be honest and approachable, and be open to feedback and other people’s ideas to best engage with pupils and perform all other duties.

It is a busy and varied role which suits a person who can rapidly re-prioritise depending on the circumstances at the time, and consequently has excellent attention to detail.

Being based in a pub/community hub, some knowledge of hospitality is an advantage if the role is based at GRC. Being based on a farm, enthusiasm for the outdoors and working with animals.

In addition, we require excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with colleagues and visitors, and clear precise written and verbal communication skills.

Good literacy and numeracy skills are essential, with knowledge of Google technology, and Arbor an advantage.

Experience of working with school Health and Safety standards.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and animals and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: From £20,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
We follow government guidance concerning Covid-19 safety.

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 31/05/2023