Learning Support Assistant Job Description

Is a learning support assistant job a good fit for you?

A learning support assistant is the ideal role if you are passionate about supporting pupils with a variety of needs on a one-on-one or small group basis. You will need to be committed to making a difference and have the enthusiasm to raise pupil achievement.

The day-to-day responsibilities for a learning support assistant include: 

• Motivating your pupils to achieve beyond their potential. 
• Supporting and encouraging pupils in their schoolwork. 
• Encouraging children to communicate. 
• Helping children to understand instructions. 
• Ensuring pupils feel comfortable and confident in their own abilities. 
• Listening to children read, reading to them, and telling them stories. 
• Looking after vulnerable children who require a dedicated person to manage their physical needs, including their hygiene. 
• Helping children who need extra support to complete tasks. 
• Supporting children during social activities, outings, and sports events. 
• Helping children prepare for activities, such as Physical Education (PE). 
• Helping children during therapy sessions. 
• Supervising group activities. 
• Assisting teachers to plan learning activities, prepare learning materials, complete records, and carry out administrative tasks. 
• Supporting teachers in managing class behaviour. 
• Following a child’s care plan. 
• Supervising pupils in the playground. 
• Clearing away materials and equipment after lessons. 
• Taking part in training. 

Ideally you will have:

• Experience in supporting pupils in a classroom environment, with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Additional Learning Needs (ALN). 
• Knowledge of the national key stage curriculum. 
• A sound understanding of how children develop socially and mentally.  
• The ability to demonstrate active listening skills and have strong verbal communication skills. 
• A dedication to establishing positive relationships with pupils and understanding their needs. 
• The ability to provide varying levels of individual attention, reassurance, and support with learning tasks, as appropriate to each pupils’ needs. 
• A willingness to adapt to a wide range of duties within changing circumstances.
• The ability to monitor each pupil’s responses and to modify or adapt the learning activities to suit their needs.
• The confidence to evaluate learning needs and seek new teaching methods. 
• The ability to provide constructive feedback in a way that reinforces pupils’ self-esteem. 
• The ability to handle complex and sensitive issues with empathy and understanding. 
• The ability to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities. 
• A strong desire to inspire and a passion for supporting and nurturing pupils. 
• The ability to work effectively and supportively as a member of a team.