We are looking for a talented Learning Support Practitioner preferably with a pastoral background to support children who have additional learning needs. The successful candidate will work with teachers as part of a professional team providing learning support to help overcome barriers to learning, including severe and multiple learning difficulties, behavioural, social, communication and sensory disabilities.
Core Purpose
We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Learning Support Practitioner (LSP) to join our team. This is a rewarding opportunity to work closely with children, helping them to achieve their full potential both academically and personally.
As an LSP, you will work alongside teachers and other professionals to support high-quality teaching and learning, ensuring that every child feels valued, supported and inspired to succeed. At our school, we believe that investing in our staff is just as important as investing in our pupils. We are committed to providing exceptional professional development opportunities and fostering a positive, supportive workplace culture where wellbeing is a priority.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Support children individually, in small groups and within whole-class learning.
Assist teachers in delivering engaging and inclusive lessons.
Support pupils with a range of learning, social and emotional needs.
Promote positive behaviour and encourage independence.
Contribute to creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment.
Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, parents and external agencies.
Assist with the preparation of learning resources and classroom organisation.
Support pupils during breaktimes, lunchtimes, educational visits and school activities as required.
Assist with escorting pupils on educational visits to other settings
Support pupils in using basic ICT
Work with other pupils on therapy or care programmes, designed and supervised by a therapist/care when directed by the teacher.
Professional Development Opportunities
We are passionate about developing talent and supporting career progression. Successful candidates will have access to:
Level 3 and Level 5 Qualifications
Following a successful probation period, staff may have the opportunity to undertake:
Teacher Training Opportunities
For colleagues interested in becoming teachers, there are opportunities to train through the Danes Educational Trust, providing a clear pathway into teaching and school leadership.
Career Progression
We actively encourage staff to develop their skills and take on additional responsibilities. Opportunities may include:
Leading intervention programmes.
Supporting curriculum development.
Progression into higher-level support roles.
Opportunities to gain classroom teaching experience and develop towards a teaching career.
Additional Opportunities:
Staff may have opportunities to:
Lead or support after-school clubs.
Share personal interests, hobbies and talents with pupils.
Receive additional payment for running extra-curricular activities where applicable.
Staff Wellbeing and Support
We pride ourselves on being a school where staff wellbeing is a genuine priority, not simply an aspiration.
We offer:
A Supportive and Caring Team
Friendly and collaborative colleagues.
Open-door leadership approach.
Strong culture of teamwork and mutual support.
Wellbeing Initiatives
Dedicated staff wellbeing area in the school garden for relaxation and reflection.
Regular staff social events and nights out.
Annual staff celebrations.
Wellbeing-focused activities throughout the year.
A leadership team committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Recognition and Appreciation
We believe in celebrating the contributions of all staff. Each year, teachers and support staff are recognised through our Staff Recognition Awards, hosted by the Danes Educational Trust. Successful nominees are invited to a special afternoon tea event where achievements are celebrated and rewarded.
Our Vision
At the Danes Educational Trust we are committed to ‘Making the Difference Together’ sharing best practice and supporting each other to be the very best we can be.
Compliance
The post holder is required to be aware of and comply with policies and
procedures relating to child protection; health and safety; confidentiality;
and data protection and report all concerns to an appropriate person.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts.
Additional Information
All staff are required to participate in training and other learning activities and in performance management and development as required by the Trust’s policies and practices.
This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of the Trust.
Supervision/Job Context
The post holder is managed on a day to day basis by the Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion. Their deployment and appraisal is managed by the Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion and/or the Headteacher.
Contacts
The post holder will work with children, teachers and other LSPs, the Senior Leadership Team and the Administration team of the school and the Trust. In addition, from time to time they will work with representatives from outside agencies, parents and carers, governors and staff from other settings that feed into the school.
