Job Description

Position Vacancy - Pupil Support Assistant

As an inclusive school, Read School welcomes pupils with a range of different abilities and backgrounds.

An opportunity has arisen (due to retirement) for a vacancy for a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) within our Inclusive Learning Department.

Working as part of a small team of Learning Support Assistants and directed by the SENCO, you will work in partnership with class teachers to support the learning of pupils who need additional support within the classroom. The successful candidates should have experience of working with children in a school; the ability to encourage, motivate and support children to overcome barriers to learning and have high expectations of pupil achievement whilst enabling them to become independent learners.

Role Description

You could be working one-on-one or in a small group, supporting children with their learning and helping children requiring additional support or who have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP). The role may be assigned to work within the Junior School (Year 3 to Year 6) or the Senior School (Year 7 to Year 13), as required. Within the role you will be working within a very supportive department.

You will be expected to work Monday to Friday (9:00 am - 4:00 pm) during term-time (34 weeks per year) within a full-time role, although candidates seeking a part time role only will be considered. You may also be expected to attend staff INSET training or meetings outside school hours.

Person Specification & Qualifications

Being a Learning Support Assistant requires you to be an empathetic and compassionate person who is passionate about providing a nurturing learning environment. You will also have:

Experience of working with children and young people with additional support needs;

A good basic education and GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics;

Knowledge and understanding of SEND Code of Practice, preferably with practical experience;

Good interpersonal skills;

A cheerful and positive outlook;

A patient and calm approach;

The ability to work as part of a team;

The ability to establish positive working relationships with adults and children;

Evidence of a recent range of professional and personal development;

A willingness to extend your skills into more specialist areas (experience of delivering the ASDAN, Functional Skills or THRIVE programmes would be a bonus);

While not essential, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, or willingness to work towards this, will be required;

A commitment to co-curricular activities and the wider life of the School.

General Areas of Responsibility

Implement structured learning activities and assist individual pupils to complete tasks, under the professional direction of the class teacher;

Develop positive relationships with pupils to assist pupil progress and attainment;

Assist in the devising of pupils' individual targets and their monitoring and review;

Provide specialist support to all pupils in a particular learning area (e.g. English or Maths).

Assist in the monitoring/recording of pupil progress and developmental needs;

Assist in the production of teaching aids;

Assist with pupil supervision, eg breaktimes, as required;

Administer routine tests and assist in the invigilation of exams;

Assist in providing an atmosphere in which effective learning can take place;

Support the promotion of positive relationships with parents and outside agencies;

Work within school policies and procedures;

Attend staff training as appropriate;

To be aware of the confidential nature of issues related to home or pupils.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary in line with independent school salary scales;

Continuous professional development - access to professional development training is provided as part of the school's performance development and appraisal process. Individuals are encouraged to continue to develop their skills to provide high quality support for our pupils;

Fee remission discount available on school fees. Full terms and conditions provided by the Finance Department;

Read School is a member of the TPT Pension scheme for non-teaching staff;

Refreshments and lunch provided free of charge during term time;

Parking for staff members is provided onsite.

Application & Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete an application form containing questions about their academic and employment history and their suitability for the role. An application form is available to download from our website.

A Letter of Application addressed to the Head should accompany the application form. Short listed applicants will be invited to attend a formal interview at which their relevant skills and experience will be discussed in more detail. They will also be given a tour of Read School.

Interview panels will include at least one person trained in Safer Recruitment.

If it is decided to make an appointment following the formal interview, any such offer will be conditional on the following:

the receipt of two satisfactory references (one of which must be from the applicant's most recent employer) which the School considers to be satisfactory; Please note that references will be taken up on short listed candidates prior to interview.

the receipt of an enhanced disclosure from the DBS which the School considers to be satisfactory; Read School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Our recruitment process follows the guidelines in KCSIE. Applicants undergo enhanced screening including checks with past employers, the DFE and the DBS.

October 2025

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Discounted or free food On-site parking
Work Location: In person