Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant – SEN Support Role (Primary or Secondary)

Location: Surrey, England
Start Date: ASAP or September 2026
Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
 

A school in Surrey is seeking a committed and experienced Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join their SEN support team, working across either primary or secondary-aged pupils depending on placement. This is a highly rewarding role supporting pupils with complex additional needs in both classroom-based learning and targeted intervention settings.

The school supports pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Severe Learning Difficulties (Severe Learning Difficulties), and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, many of whom have EHCPs and require highly structured, consistent, and personalised support throughout the school day.

This is a non-training role, and candidates must already have relevant SEN experience within a school setting.

About the Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will be a key part of the classroom and inclusion team, helping pupils access learning in a way that is meaningful, structured, and tailored to their individual needs. You will work closely with teaching staff to ensure pupils are supported academically, emotionally, and socially.

This role may involve working across both mainstream classrooms and specialist support spaces, depending on the needs of the pupils you are supporting.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with SEN across primary or secondary settings in lessons and intervention sessions
• Providing consistent 1:1 and small group support for pupils with ASD, SLD, and SEMH needs
• Helping pupils access a differentiated curriculum through tailored support strategies
• Supporting communication development using PECS, Makaton, and a range of visual communication systems
• Using structured tools such as now and next boards, visual timetables, and task breakdowns to support understanding and independence
• Supporting speech, language, and communication development through structured activities and therapist-led programmes
• Assisting pupils in managing emotional regulation, anxiety, and behavioural challenges throughout the school day
• Using calm, consistent, and proactive behaviour support strategies, including de-escalation when required
• Supporting pupils during transitions, breaktimes, and less structured parts of the day where additional support is often needed
• Delivering and supporting targeted interventions in literacy, numeracy, communication, or emotional regulation as directed by staff
• Working closely with the SENCO, class teachers, and external professionals including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, and CAMHS
• Supporting EHCP targets by contributing observations, feedback, and progress monitoring
• Promoting independence, engagement, and positive social interaction wherever possible

About You

The school is looking for a confident, experienced, and resilient practitioner who can build strong relationships with pupils and support complex needs effectively from day one.

You will have:

• Previous experience working in a school supporting pupils with SEN (essential)
• Experience supporting pupils with ASD, SLD, and SEMH needs in either primary or secondary settings
• Confidence supporting pupils with challenging behaviour, using calm and consistent approaches
• Experience supporting communication, speech and language development, or structured intervention programmes
• Ability to remain patient, steady, and supportive in high-pressure or emotionally challenging situations
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to apply)

What’s On Offer

• A supportive SEN team with experienced staff and leadership
• Opportunity to work across primary or secondary-aged SEN provision
• Well-established systems, routines, and communication tools already in place
• High-quality SEN resources and structured intervention programmes
• Ongoing CPD and training in autism, SEMH, communication systems, and behaviour support
• A collaborative team environment where staff work closely together
• A long-term, stable role with real impact on pupil development
• Opportunities to gain experience across a wide range of SEN needs and settings