Learning Support Assistant

Required from: ASAP

About the Role

At Lister Community School, we are committed to meeting the needs of all our students and developing their full potential.  Our specialist resource provision for deaf pupils is committed to ensuring that our students receive the best education possible and have full access to the curriculum and all extra-curricular activities. We have 22 students currently in the resource provision with varying degrees of deafness. The role of an LSA will be to work with our students that prefer the auditory oral approach as their primary mode of communication. The main role of an LSA is to provide support for young people with special educational needs,  ensuring that they are integrated as fully as possible into the activities offered by the school, and able to make progress in their learning.  Our LSAs support young people in lessons, in small groups and 1:1, as well as running specific programmes and activities to support their individual learning and social needs. 

This would be an ideal role for either an experienced Learning Support Assistant or those considering this, teaching or youth work as a career.  Whilst previous knowledge of BSL is not required, the successful candidate should possess the following qualities:

• Be enthusiastic about working with a range of pupils with differing needs and abilities.
• Show initiative and a willingness to be involved in all aspects of school life.
• Take a flexible approach to working.
• Have a proven track record of good working relationships and professionalism.
• Feel confident in working independently with small groups of pupils.

Applicants will need to have:

• A good general level of education, a sense of humour and be flexible, adaptable and resourceful.
• Good interpersonal skills, capable of interacting well with students and other staff members.
• Calm, approachable with clear verbal communication and a patient and positive outlook.

This post represents an ideal opportunity to work within a friendly, supportive and professional team, in liaison with subject teachers and the Head of Deaf Support.  It is an excellent opportunity for those with a desire to work with young people, to make a difference, and would be an ideal post for an aspiring teacher to gain in-school experience prior to considering further study and/or training.  As well as offering an excellent induction and support programme, the school prides itself on a comprehensive staff development programme, focussing on excellent teaching and learning.

About the School

Lister Community School is a large 11-16 Academy at the heart of its community, and is part of the Newham Community Learning Trust.  Our vision is to provide a world class international education for young people in Newham.  We firmly believe our young people have the right to the same quality of teaching and range of opportunities as at any school in the country, and our ethos is one of continuous improvement, with a focus on strong partnerships and staff development.  Over the last ten years we have significantly raised academic standards and are now the school of choice for our local community.

In December 2018, Ofsted found that the school has maintained the good quality of education and ‘made strong progress in many aspects of the school’s provision‘ since our previous inspection in September 2013.  Our many strengths are highlighted, including how students are ‘courteous and articulate’ and ‘enjoy school and value the wide range of opportunities they are given’.  We are very proud that the report recognises our high aspirations, the hard work and good behaviour of our students, and the dedication and commitment of our staff.

At Lister Community School, we recognise the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.  We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

PLEASE NOTE: 

1. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close the advert early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.  We will only be contacting those candidates who have been selected to progress to the next stage of the process.  Please note we do not have parking facilities onsite.

1. Lister Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This appointment will be conditional on successful pre-employment checks.  Identity, Prohibition, Qualification, Barred List, Enhanced DBS, Section 128, Overseas, Right to work, Reference, Criminal Record and Medical Checks are essential for all applicable posts at the School.

1. In accordance with paragraph 221 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (2022), Lister Community School will carry out an online search for all shortlisted candidates. If shortlisted for the role an appropriate online search will be undertaken on your name(s).  Any information given will be treated as confidential and will only be used in relation to the post for which you have applied.