Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant (ASD or SEMH)

Birchwood School, Cardiff – Full‑Time and Part‑Time (15 hours per week). Permanent. Part‑Time Salary: £8,008.65 – £8,429.85 (Term Time) or £10,678.20 – £11,239.80 (Full Year Equivalent).

Would you love to work in a nurturing, therapeutic school where small class sizes mean you can make a real, lasting impact? "This is the best school I have been to, the staff listen to me, help and support me with my lessons and we go on great off‑site activities." – one of our pupils at Birchwood School.

Birchwood School is seeking dedicated and passionate Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join our specialist team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people and be part of an exceptional, values‑driven school environment.

Birchwood School is a specialist provision in Cardiff supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs that require a trauma‑informed approach. Based on your skills, experience, and qualifications, you can choose which specialism is more relevant to you – you are welcome to express a preference for the area you’re most passionate about when applying.

"Working in Birchwood isn't just a job, it's a career. The leadership team hugely supports staff's professional development, whether that is completing a Level 3 in Teaching and Learning or encouraging staff to enrol on their PGCE." – employee of Birchwood School.

With small class sizes, warm and supportive teams, and a strong therapeutic approach, Birchwood provides an inclusive setting where every pupil can thrive, and every staff member can grow.

• Support teaching staff with planning, delivery, and assessment of engaging, individualised lessons.
• Provide meaningful learning experiences tailored to the needs of children with ASD or SEMH, in small group or 1:1 settings.
• Foster positive, trusting relationships with pupils, their families, and the wider staff team.
• Support daily routines, personal care where needed, and facilitate off‑site enrichment activities.
• Promote emotional regulation, independence, and inclusion through creative and therapeutic approaches.
• Actively contribute to a nurturing, safe, and consistent environment that helps every child succeed.

• Resilient, empathetic, and enthusiastic individuals with a genuine passion for working with children.
• Experience with ASD, SEMH, or SEN is welcomed but is not essential; training will be provided.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) are valued; opportunities to gain accredited qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning are available.
• A team‑player mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

• If applying for the part‑time vacancy, a valid driving licence is required as you will be supporting students with their off‑site activities.
• This position involves working with children in a regulated activity and will require an Enhanced DBS Check, including a Barred List Check.
• Please let us know if you are particularly interested in working within our ASD or SEMH provision.