ESOL - Learning Support Assistant in North Secondary School

To support EAL/ESOL students so they can:

Develop English language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing)

Access the secondary school curriculum

Build confidence, independence, and social integration

Key Responsibilities

1. In-Class Support

Support students during mainstream lessons (e.g. English, Maths, Science)

Clarify teacher instructions using simplified language, visuals, or modelling

Pre-teach or reinforce key vocabulary and subject-specific language

Check understanding and encourage participation

Support note-taking, reading tasks, and written work

2. Language Development Support

Help students develop:

Academic English (subject language, exam vocabulary)

Social English (everyday communication)

Support speaking and listening through discussion, questioning, and modelling

Assist with reading comprehension and writing structure

3. Small Group / One-to-One Support

Work with individuals or small groups outside the classroom

Deliver targeted ESOL interventions planned by the teacher or EAL coordinator

Support newly arrived students or those at early stages of English acquisition

4. Supporting Inclusion and Wellbeing

Help students feel safe, included, and confident in school

Support social integration with peers

Be aware of cultural differences and sensitivities

Offer emotional reassurance, especially for newly arrived pupils or refugees

5. Working with Staff

Work closely with:

Class teachers

SENCO and EAL coordinator

Pastoral staff

Share observations about student progress and challenges

Support assessment of English proficiency where required

6. Supporting Assessment and Progress

Help students understand assessment tasks and expectations

Support preparation for tests and exams (without giving answers)

Monitor progress in English development and report back to teachers

Skills and Qualities Needed

Clear, patient communication

Strong English language skills

Understanding of EAL/ESOL strategies (scaffolding, visuals, modelling)

Cultural awareness and empathy

Ability to encourage independence (not over-support)

Teamwork and flexibility

Typical ESOL Strategies Used

Visual aids, diagrams, and real objects

Sentence starters and writing frames

Key vocabulary lists and glossaries

Chunking instructions

Modelling answers and thinking aloud

Use of first language where appropriate (if allowed by school policy)