training and education
Safeguarding & Prevent
Learning Support Assistant
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Pay Rate: £90 - £100 per day (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Term-time
The Challenge & The Reward
Are you a versatile educator who thrives on variety? Do you have the emotional intelligence to de-escalate a crisis and the physical care skills to support a student with complex medical needs?
We are seeking a Learning Support Assistant who can bridge the gap between academic learning and therapeutic care. Our school serves a diverse population of learners, meaning your day could range from facilitating sensory play for a pupil with PMLD to providing one-on-one emotional coaching for a student with SEMH.
Key Responsibilities
Adaptable Support: Transition seamlessly between supporting pupils with physical disabilities (PMLD) and those with behavioral or emotional regulation needs (SEMH).
Physical & Medical Care: Assist with manual handling, hoisting, and personal care, ensuring the dignity and safety of all pupils.
Behavioral Mentoring: Use trauma-informed approaches and de-escalation techniques (such as Team-Teach or MAPA) to support students experiencing emotional distress.
Communication Mastery: Utilize a toolkit of communication methods, including Makaton, PECS, and high-tech AAC (Augmented and Alternative Communication) devices.
Therapeutic Integration: Implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and sensory circuits designed by Speech and Language Therapists and Psychologists.
The Ideal Candidate
We need a "chameleon" of support-someone who is as technically skilled as they are empathetic.
Experience: Proven track record working with complex needs, specifically including SEMH or PMLD.
Resilience: The ability to remain calm, objective, and professional when faced with challenging behavior or high-pressure medical situations.
Patience: An understanding that progress is often measured in "small wins" and a commitment to celebrating every milestone.
Qualifications: Level 3 TA qualification is preferred; specific training in manual handling, First Aid, or mental health support is a significant advantage.
Why Join Our Team?
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Work alongside a world-class team of specialists in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Bespoke Training: We offer extensive internal training to ensure you are confident in everything from tube feeding to restorative justice practices.
Career Progression: We are committed to developing our staff, offering clear pathways into specialized SEN teaching or therapeutic roles.
Make a difference where it is needed most. If you have the heart for PMLD and the head for SEMH, we want to meet you.
Send your application to sada.laxmi@randstad.co.uk or call 020 8530 0393.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
...
