Learning Support Assistant Speech and Language Focus

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Through the application of specific knowledge and skills:

• To support teaching staff in raising standards of attainment for all students (e.g., SEND, EAL, all underachieving groups and those Visually Impared)
• To assist with the planning, monitoring, assessment and management of classes
• To encourage students to become independent learners through the provision of support for their welfare, facilitating the inclusion of students in all aspects of school life.
• To work independently and collaboratively with teaching staff and to assist with the planning cycle and preparation of resources.

The Learning Support Assistant’s (LSA) main role is to:

• deliver structured, small-group or 1:1 speech and language programmes (e.g., vocabulary building, narrative skills, and auditory memory support) as directed by Speech and Language Therapists.
• facilitate structured social skills groups or speech-linked lunchtime clubs to help students navigate the complex social landscape of secondary school.
• act as a liaison between external Speech and Language Therapy services and subject teachers, ensuring therapist recommendations are practically implemented in daily lessons. Track and record student progress against specific communication targets.
• provide 1:1 support for students with special educational, social, emotional and behaviour difficulties
• ensure that students can integrate as fully as possible in activities undertaken by other students in the class to enable them to make progress
• run specific programmes and activities to support students’ individual learning and social needs
• be responsible for implementing targets on students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP) in liaison with class teachers and the SENDCo.

Duties will include:

• Establishing and maintaining professional positive relationships with students, staff and parents, fostering links between home and school
• Developing knowledge of the particular needs of each student, supporting them with learning activities and facilitating independent learning that encourages them to take responsibility for their own learning
• Liaising with the SENDCO, teaching staff and external agencies to seek advice on supporting identified EHCP students as Key Workers
• Attending planning meetings with the SENDCo to develop learning programmes and assist in the delivery of individual learning programmes to promote learning, behaviour and communication skills
• Providing regular feedback to the SENDCo and, where necessary, relevant outside agencies about a student’s difficulties and progress
• Preparation of lessons with teaching staff, participating in lesson planning and evaluation/adjustment of lesson plans
• Developing and preparing resources for learning activities in accordance with lesson plans and in response to student needs
• Delivering learning to individuals, small groups and whole classes as and when required within agreed systems of supervision
• Supporting the teaching of the National Literacy Strategy and National Numeracy Strategy and assisting students in accessing the full curriculum
• Contributing to maintaining student records
• Supporting students within the inclusion area in small groups and 1:1 settings
• Keeping detailed records of timetabled small group and 1:1 learning support sessions, using evaluations of these records to inform future planning
• Contributing to the effective and consistent management of student behaviour through the use of positive reinforcements, praise and rewards
• Understanding and applying school policies on learning and behaviour, and statutory guidelines relating to disability discrimination and special educational needs.
• Respecting and maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity to students’ needs whilst having regard for the school’s safeguarding protocols
• Keeping an up-to-date Learning Support Assistant file detailing support for students and strategies
• Keeping abreast of developments in working with children with special educational needs.
• Attending INSET training sessions and staff meetings
• Undertaking a weekly morning break and/or lunch duty, supervising students in and around the school premises
• To be available to assist with the…