Learning Support Assistant - SEND & Trauma-Informed Practice

Learning Support Assistant - SEND & Trauma-Informed Practice

Location: Colchester

Salary: £23,742 - £24,917 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

Recruiting on behalf of a specialist alternative provision school in Colchester.

Are you passionate about supporting young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and barriers to education? We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist alternative provision school for a dedicated and resilient Learning Support Assistant who understands the profound impact trauma can have on a child's emotional wellbeing, behaviour and ability to learn.

Working alongside the SENCo, teachers and senior leaders, you will:

• Build positive, consistent and trusting relationships with pupils who have experienced trauma and adversity.
• Support pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, adapting your approach to meet individual needs.
• Deliver targeted interventions that promote emotional regulation, resilience and positive engagement in learning.
• Help pupils develop social, emotional and life skills to prepare them for future education, employment and independence.
• Monitor and record progress, contributing to personalised support plans.
• Support teachers in delivering engaging, tailored learning activities.
• Promote positive behaviour using a calm, restorative and trauma-informed approach.
• Work collaboratively with families and professionals to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting children or young people who have experienced trauma, adversity, attachment difficulties or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
• Understands how trauma can affect behaviour, emotional regulation and learning.
• Has experience working within SEND, SEMH, alternative provision, education, youth work, residential care or children’s services.
• Can build strong, trusting relationships whilst maintaining clear professional boundaries.
• Is calm, patient, resilient and able to respond positively in challenging situations.
• Has excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Is committed to safeguarding and improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
• Holds a First Aid qualification (desirable).

• Salary of £23,742 - £24,917 per annum.
• Permanent, full-time role.
• Ongoing professional development, including trauma-informed practice.
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• The opportunity to transform the lives of vulnerable young people every day.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, references, right-to-work verification and all other safer recruitment requirements.

If you have the compassion, resilience and trauma-informed approach needed to help young people overcome barriers and realise their potential, we'd love to hear from you.