Sixth Form Learning Support Assistant

Are you enthusiastic about education and eager to support post-16 students in their learning journey? At Bitterne Park Sixth Form, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment where every student can thrive.  We are looking for a dedicated Learning Support Assistant for our thriving sixth form to help make a difference in the lives of our students.

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting students with EHCPs and high needs by providing study support both within and outside of the classroom, helping to create a positive learning atmosphere, and ensuring educational objectives are met.  Your contributions will directly impact the educational experience of our diverse student body. 

Bitterne Park School is an 11-19 mixed, community school and Sixth Form and is set in eighteen acres of grounds overlooking the River Itchen and Riverside Park.

In September 2017, the school moved into its new, state of the art, £24 million building, which has allowed us to fully embrace the ethos and values that the school has been striving for. The bright and modern learning environment is centred around a stunning atrium, which is at the heart of the school. Each of the new classrooms is bright and spacious with fully interactive touch screen projection and improved IT. We are particularly proud of our Performing Arts facilities. We have drama studios, practice rooms, music rooms and a dance studio, in addition to the high specification theatre, dance studio and music facilities in the Sixth Form building.

The school also has a multi-sports hall, tennis courts, netball courts, basketball courts and an outdoor table tennis area as well as a full size, all weather, 3G pitch.

Bitterne Park School has a key role to play in the local community with many local groups using our facilities including the Gantry Youth Theatre.

At Bitterne Park School, our Learning Support Department is dedicated to ensuring that every student can thrive academically, socially and emotionally, regardless of their starting point. We believe that every young person brings a unique combination of strengths, talents and support needs to our community, and we are committed to helping all students unlock their full potential.

Working across our main school and Bitterne Park Sixth Form, our experienced and highly skilled team provides tailored support for students with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We support learners with communication and interaction needs, cognition and learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and sensory or physical disabilities.

Our approach is rooted in inclusion. We work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, parents and carers, specialist practitioners and external agencies to ensure students can access a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum while fully participating in the life of the school. Alongside high-quality classroom practice, we provide targeted interventions and personalised support that foster independence, resilience, confidence and self-esteem.

The department is led by a team of experienced SEND professionals and specialist practitioners who are passionate advocates for inclusive education. Through strong relationships, careful planning and a commitment to student-centred practice, we strive to create an environment where every student feels understood, valued and empowered to succeed.

Joining the Learning Support Department at Bitterne Park School offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference as part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team that places inclusion, aspiration and student achievement at the heart of everything it does.

Key Accountabilities & Duties

• Provide individual or small group academic support to students to facilitate their learning and development.
• Encourage and motivate students, helping them to engage with the curriculum and develop their skills.
• Working closely with class teachers to facilitate students’ learning
• Support students with special educational needs, adapting resources and methods to meet their individual needs.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to ensure the effective delivery of educational programme and strategies. 
• Undertaking examination duties including reading, scribing and invigilation (with appropriate training)
• Providing support for a range of student visits and trips (on occasion)
• Attending and contributing to annual reviews for the students you support
• Attending training as required e.g. manual handling, safeguarding, exam regulations etc. 

To contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for children and adults, adhering to all Health and Safety regulations and requirements.

The postholder may be expected to carry out duties other than those given in the job description where the level of responsibility is similar and he/she has appropriate qualifications or receives appropriate training to carry out these duties.

Be enthusiastic about supporting students to achieve their full potential.

Demonstrate a caring and professional approach when working with young people.

Show initiative while working under the direction of teaching staff.

Be committed to inclusive education and supporting students with a range of learning needs.

Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents and external agencies where required.

Maintain high standards of professionalism, attendance and punctuality.