Job Introduction
Do you want to make a difference to the mental health, physical learning and progress of young people?
Hollywater School is a school for pupils aged 4-19 with complex learning needs. We set high but realistic expectations for all and encourage everyone to discover the joy of learning so that they may thrive, gain independence and be given every opportunity to achieve their full potential. Our vision is to inspire our students to believe and achieve everything they are capable of and to be as independent as possible in their adult life.
You will help our students to be as independent as possible in their daily life, recognize and encourage them to thrive in all areas and help them learn vital life skills.
We recognise that the personal development of pupils spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to achieve and learn and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experience of adult life.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for two compassionate and patient learning support assistants to join our incredible PMLD class here at Hollywater School. We are looking for someone with an adaptable approach along with a great sense of humour and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff. You must be flexible and have proactive attitude and willingness to learn along with strong communication and teamwork skills.
Your role will be to support children with PMLD, focusing on their unique learning, communication, and individual care needs. You will work collaboratively with the class teacher, on site therapists and the nursing team to implement tailored learning and therapy programmes, ensuring each child is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential in a nurturing and supportive environment.
You will provide one-to-one and small group support for children with PMLD, adapting to their individual needs and will use specialised strategies and resources (e.g., sensory equipment) to engage students and foster their development.
You will be able to monitor and record progress, working closely with the wider team to ensure effective support. The role requires a hands-on, compassionate approach in working with children who have complex learning and medical needs, providing support within areas of:
- Respiratory Care – suctioning, positioning in equipment to avoid aspiration, provide chest physio.
- Gastrostomy care – use of pump feed and equipment, assisting with blended feed.
- Meal times – assisting with feeding pupils, supporting pupils to build skills to feed themselves.
- Physiotherapy – assisting children physically to access their physiotherapy programme
- OT – assisting pupils to access specialised equipment (stander, walker, specialised class chair)
- Personal care – assisting pupils with getting dressed, intimate care.
- Moving and Handling – LSA to be able to move around and work with pupils on the floor level, being of good physical health, be able to be on their feet and move around, hoist pupils using ceiling and mobile hoist
- Knowledge and learning towards supporting non-verbal pupils in the area of alternative communication e.g. Makaton, PECS, TaSSeLs body sign, Objects of Reference.
- Support pupils with Epilepsy – use of VNS, keeping record of seizure/ episode occurring.
- Support pupils with tracheostomy.
You must:
- Hold an English and Maths GCSE at a grade C and above
- Experience in an PMLD setting is desirable but full training will be given as well.
- Be committed to safeguarding and equality
Please note that this role will require an enhanced DBS check with child and adult barred lists.
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.
