Job Introduction
Job/Person Summary
At Vigo Primary School, we believe education is about so much more than teaching reading, writing and maths. We are passionate about providing a rich, engaging and inclusive curriculum that enables every child to discover their strengths, develop their potential and achieve their very best.
Our ultimate aim is for every child to leave Vigo feeling proud of the person they see reflected in the mirror. This is at the heart of our MIRROR values: Motivation, Independence, Respect, Resilience, Open-mindedness and Responsibility. We want to grow children not only academically, but socially, emotionally, morally and culturally.
Vigo is a vibrant, diverse and inclusive school, with children who bring a wide range of abilities, experiences and individual needs. Our classrooms are busy, varied and full of opportunities to make a genuine difference. We support children with a broad range of Special Educational Needs, Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), English as an Additional Language (EAL) and differing levels of emotional and behavioural support.
Working at Vigo is incredibly rewarding, but it is not always easy. Our children need adults who are adaptable, emotionally resilient and able to remain calm, positive and consistent, even when situations are challenging. Some children require additional patience, encouragement and individualised support to help them feel safe, regulated and ready to learn.
We are looking for enthusiastic, caring and committed Learning Support Assistants (with Midday Supervisor duties) who genuinely enjoy working with children and are motivated by helping every child succeed, whatever their starting point. You will need to be someone who sees potential rather than barriers, celebrates small steps as well as big achievements and understands that building relationships is central to helping children thrive.
Previous experience in a school or similar setting is desirable, but not essential. Full training and support will be provided for the right candidate. This could be an excellent opportunity for someone considering a career in education, but equally we welcome applicants who have experience or a particular passion for supporting children with additional needs.
We are looking for someone who:
- Builds positive, trusting relationships with children and adults, demonstrating warmth, empathy and an understanding of individual needs.
- Is caring, patient, calm and emotionally resilient, able to respond positively and consistently when children are dysregulated or situations become challenging.
- Has a genuine interest in supporting children with a diverse range of needs, including SEN, EAL, social, emotional and behavioural needs.
- Understands that every child is different and is willing to adapt their approach, using appropriate strategies to help children overcome barriers to learning.
- Is enthusiastic about helping children develop confidence, independence, resilience and a love of learning.
- Can work effectively as part of a supportive team, sharing ideas and learning with and from colleagues.
- Is equally confident working independently, using initiative and knowing when to seek advice or support.
- Is flexible, proactive, resourceful and able to respond positively to the changing demands of a busy school day.
- Has good organisational and time-management skills.
- Has excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and can provide clear feedback to class teachers about children’s learning, progress and wellbeing.
- Understands the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries.
- Is committed to their own professional development and open to learning new skills and approaches.
- Is prepared to undertake both classroom support and midday supervisor duties, recognising the importance of providing consistent care, support and positive relationships throughout the school day.
- GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is desirable/required.
In return we can offer:
- Wonderful children who have so much to offer and whose achievements, progress and individual successes make the role genuinely rewarding.
- A welcoming, caring and friendly school community with a strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose.
- A dedicated staff team who are passionate about making a difference and supporting one another.
- A genuine commitment to raising standards of learning and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
- A full induction programme, with ongoing guidance and support to help you develop confidence and competence in your role.
- Investment in your continued professional development, including in-house coaching, mentoring and access to a range of professional training courses available to Hampshire employees.
- Opportunities to work alongside specialist practitioners in PE, Forest School and Art.
- Access to professional support and guidance from specialist teachers leading our Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) Resource Provision.
- Support from our THRIVE practitioner, dedicated ELSA, TALA and Nurture Team, helping you develop the knowledge and strategies to support individual children’s needs.
- Opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career through a clear professional development pathway, including potential routes into teacher training (ITT/SCITT) for those wishing to pursue a career in teaching.
- A school committed to staff wellbeing and work-life balance, including a day off in lieu per year.
- Access to the Hampshire County Council employee benefits package, including the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Employee Support Service with Wisdom Health Assured, Employee Support (Employee Assistance Programme) and Salary Finance.
Life at Vigo is busy, varied and rewarding. We are a school where difference is celebrated and where every child is valued for who they are. Our children have a wide range of strengths and needs, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels included, supported and able to succeed.
You will need to enjoy a role where flexibility is essential, where plans sometimes change and where a child’s smallest step forward can be the biggest achievement of the day.
If you are someone who brings energy, patience, humour, resilience and a genuine desire to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.
Application Procedure
Visits to the school are very welcome and actively encouraged. Please contact the school office on 01264 365166 or by email at hr@vigo.hants.sch.uk to arrange an appointment. Interviews will take place on Monday 30th November 2026. If you have not heard from us by Friday 27th November your application will have been unsuccessful.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.