Learning Support Assistant (LSA) | SEND | SEMH

Location: Heybridge, Essex
Salary: Scale 5 (Points 10-13)
Contract: Full Time | Fixed Term until 21st July 2027 (following a successful 12-week temporary period)
Start Date: September 2026

Are you looking for a rewarding Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant role where you can genuinely change young lives?

We're recruiting on behalf of a specialist Alternative Provision in Heybridge seeking two Learning Support Assistants to support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and those who have experienced trauma or adversity.

Whether you already have school experience or have worked in youth work, care, coaching or support roles, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within specialist education.

As a Learning Support Assistant, you'll work closely with teachers and the SENCo to help pupils achieve their full potential.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
• Delivering targeted interventions to improve learning and wellbeing.
• Encouraging positive behaviour through trauma-informed approaches.
• Supporting pupils' social, emotional and life skills development.
• Preparing learning resources and assisting classroom activities.
• Monitoring pupil progress and maintaining accurate records.
• Using ICT to enhance learning and engagement.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, parents, carers and external professionals.
• Helping create a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

We're looking for compassionate, resilient individuals who are passionate about supporting children and young people.

You'll ideally have:

• Experience working with children or young people in education, care, youth work or similar settings.
• An understanding of SEND, SEMH and the impact of childhood trauma.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to stay calm and positive in challenging situations.
• Good organisational and ICT skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
• A willingness to undertake ongoing training and professional development.

Experience supporting pupils with SEND, autism, ADHD or behavioural needs is desirable but not essential.

You'll be joining a dedicated and supportive team where you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day.

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing CPD.
• Specialist training, including Trauma Perceptive Practice (TPP).
• Supportive leadership and collaborative colleagues.
• Career progression opportunities within specialist education.
• A rewarding role supporting vulnerable young people to achieve positive futures.

37 hours per week

• Monday to Thursday: 8:15am - 4:15pm
• Friday: 8:15am - 3:45pm

The successful candidates will begin on a 12-week temporary assignment, with the opportunity to transition to a fixed-term contract until 21st July 2027, subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks.

The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, right to work checks and all safer recruitment procedures in line with current safeguarding legislation.

If you're an enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, SEND Teaching Assistant, SEMH Support Worker or are looking to begin a rewarding career in specialist education, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

We have a requirement for two LSA's to join the school.

INDELSEC