Learning Support Assistant

Job Description

For all staff in school we share a responsibility to ensure that children are safe and properly supervised at all times.

Our school is committed to ‘amazing learning’ - providing enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences so that every pupil makes as much progress as possible.

All staff are expected to adhere to The Aquila Professional Code of Conduct and commit to promoting our vision – ‘A happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices, engage in meaningful learning experiences and make exceptional progress’.

Our focus is providing children with amazing learning and to be the school of choice for the community we serve.

The Aquila School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

Key qualities and skills:

• To be able to develop positive working relationships with all members of the school community
• To be able to use initiative, be flexible, fun, proactive and positive
• To be kind, approachable and professional
• To be able to communicate accurately in English

Core purposes:

• To help children make as much progress with their learning as possible
• To encourage children to be independent
• To support the teachers in the day to day running of the class

Key duties include:

• Working with groups and individuals to support learning across the curriculum under the direction of the teacher. This could include the delivery of intervention programmes
• Encouraging independence i.e. helping the children to achieve their objectives (through questioning, dialogue, demonstrating and modelling) rather than doing the work for them
• Tasks to support the day to day running of the school - e.g. preparing resources, being responsible for specific areas etc
• Engaging the pupils in meaningful talk at all opportunities in order to develop language, and build relationships
• Supervising the children, for example on trips, at break times, travelling around the school, and at swimming and PE lessons
• Managing pupil behaviour in a positive manner and being a positive role model in line with The Aquila Way on behaviour e.g. giving golden tickets, acknowledging children who have made good choices etc
• To ensure confidentiality at all times i.e. - never discussing any aspect of the work of the school other than with colleagues in school
• Being proactive in knowing the expectations of your work for each session
• To meet at least weekly with the teaching team
• To work closely with the teachers to ensure there is effective communication - both oral and written concerning pupil progress and learning
• To be proactive in your own professional development - if there is an element of your role you are less confident in carrying out - ask
• To work alongside the teacher and children as per The Aquila Way to create interactive and relevant displays to support learning and celebrate achievement

In addition, all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the regional office to facilitate the smooth day to day running of the school.

To be line managed by the relevant HLTA (High Level Teaching Assistant).

Hours of work

Core working hours are from 7:25am to 3.25pm (Monday to Thursday) and 7:25 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays.

In addition, LSA’s to either run breakfast club (6.30am - 7.30am 5 days a week) or after school club (2.45pm to 4.25pm 5 days a week - two weeks on one week off or equivalent).

LSA’s also work as a backup for bus supervision when required.

Holidays

As per the school KHDA approved calendar.

ISP PrinciplesBegin with our children and students.

Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect.

We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively.

We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible.

We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously.

Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.

1.Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.

2.Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.

• Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.

4.Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.

• Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.

6.Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.

• Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.

• Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, encourages and inspires students, colleagues and teams so that they give their best.

• Understanding People. Is a very good judge of talent, can objectively articulate the strengths and motivations of people inside or outside the organisation.

• Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences and inspires students, parents and colleagues through timely and effective communication.

11.Agile. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.

12.Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Has the ability to apply understanding of the business and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability.

• Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans, organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.

• Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values, behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to learn and work effectively.

ISP PrinciplesBegin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.