Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant – SEND
Southampton and New Forest
£14.30 per hour
Full time | Term time only

Teaching Personnel are currently recruiting Learning Support Assistants to work with a number of schools across Southampton and the New Forest that support pupils with additional needs. These roles are full time, long term opportunities supporting both primary and secondary aged students.

The schools we work with provide education for pupils with a wide range of additional needs. This includes students with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), and pupils who may have experienced trauma or challenging life circumstances.

Your responsibilities may include:

Supporting pupils on a one to one basis or within small groups
Helping pupils stay engaged with classroom learning
Providing encouragement and reassurance to students who may struggle with confidence or behaviour
Assisting teachers with classroom activities and lesson preparation
Supporting pupils with social and emotional development
Helping to maintain a calm and structured classroom environment

Some pupils may require additional support with behaviour regulation, communication or engagement with learning. Schools value support staff who are calm, consistent and able to build positive relationships with students.

Experience and Backgrounds We Value

Many successful Learning Support Assistants come from a variety of professional backgrounds where supporting others has been a key part of the role. We welcome applications from candidates with experience in areas such as:

Sports coaching
Youth work or youth mentoring
Support work or residential care
Healthcare roles including Healthcare Assistants
Community support roles
Previous school or education experience

Transferable skills such as communication, patience, resilience and the ability to build positive relationships are highly valued within these roles.

What Schools Are Looking For

Schools are looking for individuals who are reliable, enthusiastic and genuinely interested in supporting young people with additional needs. Candidates should be comfortable working closely with pupils who may require additional encouragement or emotional support during the school day.

This role would suit individuals considering a long term career in education, youth work, psychology, social care or SEND support.

What Teaching Personnel Offers

Competitive pay of £14.30 per hour
Full time work during school term time
Long term placements within supportive school environments
Opportunities to gain valuable experience in SEND education
Potential for schools to offer permanent contracts to successful candidates

These roles provide a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable experience within the education sector.

If you are interested in supporting pupils with additional needs and would like to work within schools across Southampton and the New Forest, we encourage you to apply.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website