Job Introduction
We are seeking a highly motivated and personable Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated team, supporting pupils with physical disabilities within our resourced provision.
At Portchester Community School, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. Our pupils within the resourced provision are fully integrated into mainstream lessons, and this role offers the opportunity to make a real difference in their educational journey.
Our Resourced Provision LSAs support pupils with a range of physical disabilities to become successful, confident and responsible individuals. This unique LSA role offers opportunities to work with varying physical disabilities in addition to supporting pupils in mainstream classes. This role would suit a candidate looking for new opportunities to develop or broaden their skillsets.
The Role:
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:
- Provide in-class support, helping pupils access the curriculum and develop independence.
- Work with pupils with a variety of needs, requiring flexibility and a positive approach.
- Build strong relationships with pupils, supporting their learning and personal development.
- Work closely with teachers and other support staff to ensure every pupil thrives.
- Be trained by us in moving and handling to support the full range of needs within our Resourced Provision including supporting the personal and intimate care needs of pupils with physical disabilities.
What We’re Looking For:
- A caring and adaptable individual who enjoys working with young people.
- Someone who can build positive relationships and support pupils’ academic and social development.
- A team player with excellent communication skills.
- GCSE Grade C/4 (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
What We Offer:
- A welcoming and inclusive school community.
- A strong commitment to staff development and career progression – many of our LSAs go on to become qualified teachers.
- A calm and supportive environment, graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted (January 2024) with an ‘Outstanding’ rating for Personal Development.
- A resourced provision that enriches our school and offers a unique, rewarding experience for staff and pupils alike.
- A full and comprehensive induction programme for all new staff.
We also have a nursery and pre-school as part of our school community, reflecting our commitment to supporting children at every stage of their education.
Interested? We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact:
Mrs Ford, Assistant Headteacher – r.ford@portchester.hants.sch.uk
Mrs Howell, SENCo – k.howell@portchester.hants.sch.uk
For further information about the post, please visit our website at www.portchester.hants.sch.uk where an application pack is available under the ‘About Us’ menu, or email: recruitment@portchester.hants.sch.uk
Please be aware that a Hampshire County Council application form must be completed, as CVs are not accepted.
Applications will be considered on receipt and suitable candidates invited for interview. We reserve the right to withdraw the advertisement early if the vacancy is filled before the closing date.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Online searches will be completed on all shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process.
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 because it is a post which involves working directly with children or young people. If shortlisted for interview you are therefore required to declare whether you have any criminal convictions (or cautions or bind-overs) including those which are ‘spent’. The amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020) provide that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’. This means that they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-filtering-guidance
Safer Recruitment
Portchester Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects 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.
