Learning Support Assistant

The Polygon School, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2FH

8 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  19 June 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  11 June 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Working pattern: Part time: 32.5 Hours per Week, Term Time Only. Working hours between 08.30am and 15.30pm Monday to Friday. Occasional overtime hours by negotiation.
• Contract type: Permanent
• Actual salary: £24,045

What skills and experience we're looking for

Job Information

We are seeking a passionate, caring, and dedicated individual to join our school team. The successful candidate will have a genuine commitment to supporting children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs, helping them to thrive both academically and personally.

You will build positive relationships with pupils, provide consistent support, and contribute to a nurturing, inclusive learning environment. Patience, resilience, empathy, and excellent communication skills are essential, along with a strong belief in every child's potential to succeed.

About the School

The Polygon School is a specialist school in the heart of Southampton that supports, educates and helps make a difference to the lives of 78 young men aged 11-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. All Pupils attending this school hold an Education, Health Care Plan. Our ambition is to remove any barriers to learning and equip our pupils to learn both inside and out of the classroom.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs.
• Demonstrates a caring, patient, and nurturing approach.
• Is energetic, flexible and enthusiastic individual willing to get stuck into all aspects of school life.
• Can build trusting relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues.
• Remains calm and resilient in challenging situations.
• Is committed to promoting positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Has competent ICT skills
• Has a valid UK driving licence

What the school offers its staff

We offer:

A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in young people's lives.

If you are enthusiastic about helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

• Free city centre parking
• Onsite gym facilities
• CPD and progression opportunities
• Supportive staff team
• Provision of wellbeing opportunities
• Access to Blue Light discount card

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Person Spec (LSA) G7.pdf - 240 KB (opens in new tab)

Job Advert (LSA) G7.pdf - 287 KB (opens in new tab)

Job Description (LSA) G7.pdf - 280 KB (opens in new tab)

About The Polygon School

• School type: Special school, ages 11 to 16
• School size: 76 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: The Polygon School website
• Email address: davina.yates@polygon.southampton.sch.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-polygon-school

Arranging a visit to The Polygon School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email davina.yates@polygon.southampton.sch.uk.

School location

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