Learning Support Assistant; LSA

New Directions Education is looking to recruit dedicated and compassionate Learning Support Assistants to work with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs across a range of schools and specialist provisions in the Leeds area. It is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about supporting vulnerable learners and helping them overcome barriers to education.

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will provide essential support to pupils who may face challenges with learning, behaviour, communication, or emotional wellbeing. Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams, you will help create a safe and supportive environment where every child can thrive.

• Providing 1:1 and small group support tailored to pupils with SEND and SEMH needs
• Supporting pupils with a range of needs including ASD, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, anxiety, and behavioural challenges
• Assisting in the delivery of differentiated lessons and tailored learning activities
• Helping pupils to regulate emotions, manage behaviour, and remain engaged in learning
• Using a range of strategies such as visual supports, structured routines, and de‑escalation techniques
• Supporting the implementation of EHCPs, behaviour plans, and individual learning strategies
• Encouraging pupils’ social skills, independence, and confidence
• Building positive, trusting relationships to help pupils feel safe and understood
• Assisting with classroom management and maintaining a calm, structured environment
• Supporting pupils during transitions, break times, and less structured parts of the day
• Monitoring progress and providing feedback to teaching staff and SEN teams

This role requires patience, resilience, and a proactive approach, as you will be supporting pupils who may need additional understanding and consistency.

• Mainstream schools with dedicated SEND or SEMH provisions
• Specialist SEND schools
• Alternative provisions

• Experience working with children or young people with SEND, SEMH, or behavioural needs
• Calm, patient, and empathetic, with a nurturing approach
• Confidence in managing challenging behaviour and supporting emotional needs
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Adaptable, proactive, and resilient
• A genuine passion for supporting young people to succeed
• Desirable backgrounds include education, youth work, care work, psychology, support work, or coaching

If you’re passionate about making a difference and supporting young people to overcome challenges and succeed, we’d love to hear from you.