Job Introduction
Visual Impairment Learning Support Assistant
Great Binfields Primary School, Basingstoke (Hampshire)
Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to children’s learning, confidence and wellbeing?
Great Binfields Primary School is a popular, 2-form entry school with a calm, purposeful atmosphere where children have fun exploring in a well-resourced setting; including a purpose-built playground and woodland.
We’re recruiting a Visual Impairment (VI) Learning Support Assistant to support the access and achievement of pupils with vision impairment across our friendly and caring school.
You should have had a successful experience of working in either a primary, secondary or special school environment; within the classroom, in smallgroups and/or as a 1:1 LSA. A commitment to developing a specialist knowledge and skills in supporting children with vision impairment is essential – including specialist software, technology and Braille.
You will work under the direction and with the support of our Resource Provision Manager who is an experienced and qualified teacher of children and young people with vision impairment.
Why Great Binfields?
- Enthusiastic children who want to learn; supported by staff who make learning feel safe, positive and exciting.
- A supportive, friendly and committed team with weekly meetings led by our experienced SENDCO, DHT and other members of the team.
- Ongoing professional development with access to accredited training, including:
- Speech and Language
- Understanding Visual Impairment
- Understanding Autism and ADHD
- ELSA / Nurture-style approaches
- Progression onto Higher Level Teaching Assistant Status.
- Progression onto Initial Teacher Training pathway available.
- And more
- A successful school with a strong community, working in partnership with families and colleagues to raise standards together.
- Wellbeing support for you and your family through an Employee Assistance Package.
- Employer pension contributions via the Hampshire Local Government Pension Scheme.
What you’ll do
As an VI LSA, you will support children across the school, but particularly our children with visual impairment needs, providing:
- 1:1 support where required
- Small group support
- Undertake training for supporting children with visual impairment needs
- 0.5 hours of lunchtime play supervision per day, helping children enjoy school, build relationships and develop social confidence
You will work in collaboration with the class teachers, SENDCo and DHT.
What we’re looking for
We want applicants who are:
- Enthusiastic about developing their skills and growing their knowledge in Special Educational Needs
- Committed to supporting children’s social, moral, emotional and academic wellbeing
- Patient, cheerful and understanding
- Confident building relationships with children; encouraging inclusion and belonging
- Resilient, consistent and professional in how to approach support
- Flexible and energetic, with the ability to respond to changing needs
- Able to demonstrate empathy, consistency and a firm belief in inclusion
About the role (key details)
- Hours: 32.5 hours per week, 8.30am–3.30pm, Monday to Friday, term time only (with 0.5 hr unpaid lunch break)
- Salary: EHCC Grade B3, starting at £25,958 full time equivalent. Actual pay will be pro-rated for term time only and will be closer to £19,700.
- Vacancy closes: Friday 16th October
How to apply / arrange a visit
Please apply via the Education Jobs website or complete the attached application form.
For a visit, an application pack, or to discuss the role, contact:
Caroline Gontard (Business Manager)
Tel: 01256 460532
Email: c.gontard@greatbinfields.hants.sch.uk
Interview date: Friday 23rd October
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.
