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Learning Support Assistant
Location: Barking, London
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm (term time)
We are looking for a caring, reliable and enthusiastic Level 2 Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist SEN school in Barking. The school supports pupils with severe, complex, profound and multiple learning difficulties, including autism and significant learning needs.
This is a highly rewarding role for someone who is passionate about working in a specialist SEN environment. You will work closely with teachers, therapists and support staff to help pupils feel safe, supported and able to access learning, care and wellbeing in a nurturing and inclusive setting.
Key Responsibilities:

• Support the class teacher with teaching, learning and assessment activities, including contributing to online learning journals
• Deliver and support specialist SEN strategies tailored to individual needs.
• Assist with preparing learning activities, visual supports, SEN resources and classroom displays
• Observe pupils and record engagement, responses and progress in line with SEN support plans
• Take part in all aspects of SEN school life, including playtimes, swimming sessions and personal care routines
• Provide emotional, behavioural and wellbeing support using positive behaviour strategies
• Support pupils with personal care needs, including toileting, hygiene, dressing and eating
• Carry out medical and healthcare tasks (such as gastrostomy care, suctioning, tracheostomy care and administering medication) following training and agreed care plans
• Follow manual handling procedures and positive behaviour support strategies at all times
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils and act as a consistent and positive role model
• Encourage communication, social interaction and engagement in teacher-led activities
• Adhere strictly to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection procedures
• Accompany pupils on educational visits and off-site activities
• Work collaboratively with therapists (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy) to deliver daily intervention programmes
• Contribute to wider SEN school activities, including events, celebrations and fundraising
• Share relevant information with teachers to support communication with parents and carers

Person Specification:
Experience

• Experience working with or caring for pre-school or primary-aged children with complex special educational needs is essential

Qualifications

• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification, or relevant SEN experience
• First Aid training, or willingness to undertake training

Knowledge & Skills

• Awareness of safeguarding, child protection and SEN legislation
• Understanding of child development within a specialist SEN setting
• Willingness to reflect on practice and engage in ongoing professional development
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with children and adults
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary SEN team
• Willingness and confidence to support personal care needs

Personal Attributes

• Friendly, enthusiastic and flexible approach
• Calm, patient and resilient, with a positive and proactive attitude
• Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including manual handling
• Sensitive and responsive to the needs of children with complex and challenging behaviours
• Willing to work under the direction of teaching and senior SEN staff

Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.