Learning Support Assistant and Catering Assistant

Job Introduction

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team in the dual role of Learning Support Assistant and Catering Assistant.  You would be working alongside other team members including senior leaders, classroom teachers, learning support assistants and other support roles.  Our provision includes small class sizes of 8 pupils, sensory friendly learning spaces, large classrooms, outside play areas, high staff to pupil ratio and a personalised curriculum approach.

Our school motto; ‘start small, grow tall’ symbolises a child’s growth and development through their individual learning journey at Light Year School.  We believe passionately that with the right support at the right time, pupils will thrive in school and be ready for the next stage of their education. 

Learning Support Assistants will:

• Provide learning and care support for pupils with special educational needs (SEN). This will involve working with the teacher to plan and deliver activities and supporting pupils with routines, transitions and behaviour management.
• Build strong and trusting relationships with pupils to support them engage in learning. 

Catering Assistants will:

• Work with the outsourced catering team to transport, serve and clear away meals.

Learning Support Assistants Specific Responsibilities

 Supporting pupils 

•  Build positive relationships with pupils, promoting high self-esteem and independence.
• Adapt communication style to respond to pupils according to their individual needs.
• Support pupils with their social, emotional and mental health needs, escalating concerns where appropriate.
• Promote high standards of behaviour, responding to incidents in line with the school’s behaviour policy and guidelines on physical intervention.
• Assist with the development and delivery of individual education and support plans.

 Teaching and learning 

• Contribute to the planning of differentiated learning activities for individual or small groups of pupils with special educational needs (SEN), delivering activities inside or outside the classroom.
• Play an active role in the classroom, supporting pupils with their learning.  
• Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning.
• Use ICT skills to advance pupils’ learning.  
• Through observations, provide regular feedback to teachers on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning.
• Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment.
• Monitor, record and report on progress and attainment.
• Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, aims and work of the school.

 Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals

• Share knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision.
• Communicate effectively with parents and carers under the direction of teachers.
• Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers.
• Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school.
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues.

Safeguarding 

• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school.

Visits are strongly encouraged prior to interview.   We support our LSAs to take on other areas of responsibility and become trained and/or qualified in specialist areas, for example ELSA / Thrive / Lego therapy. If you already have specialist training or are willing to undergo further CPD, this would be an advantage. 

Catering Assistants Specific Responsibilities

• Liaise with catering staff to ensure smooth arrangements during the lunch periods including managing children with special diets / allergies.
• Assist with the setting up and serving of meals in line with food hygiene regulations.
• Assist with the moving and setting up of dining furniture in designated areas.
• Complete cleaning duties as required, including: - washing up kitchen and dining equipment and utensils and maintaining the dining room in a clean and tidy state and carry out spot cleaning of spillages.
• Complete any necessary associated documentation required relating to the provision of meals (e.g. recording food temperatures, meals served)
• Prepare the counter for service placing out relevant utensils and carry out delegated tasks for counter operation e.g. garnishing of food offering a high standard of food quality presentation and ensure the counter serviced runs smoothly and professionally.   
• Transport food between service points and serve meals.
• Assisting pupils to become independent, for example encouraging them to collect their cutlery and clear their plate.

 To Apply:

Please go to our website: www.lightyearseducation.co.uk and complete an application form and return to admin@lightyearseducation.co.uk.  Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.  If you have any questions about the role or would like to arrange a tour please contact Sarah Alden via email at admin@lightyearseducation.co.uk 

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.