Learning Support Assistant for Specialist Resource Provision

The Vale Academy, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4QP

20 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  asap

• Closing date

  2 February 2026 at 7am

• Date listed

  13 January 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Full-time equivalent salary: £24,534.00 - £25,893.00 Annually (FTE) AS 1-5 £24,534-£25,893 pro rata £20,139-£21,255

Learning Support Assistant for Specialist Resource Provision job summary

Kingfisher Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) Learning Support Assistant

The Vale Academy has an exciting new opportunity to become part of an experienced and dedicated team working in a progressively forward-thinking Specialist Resource provision for mainstream pupils with Autism. The provision is home to 10 primary aged pupils with a primary diagnosis of autism. Although based in a separate building, the provision is part of the mainstream school and, where appropriate, children join the main school for learning and activities.

The Vale Academy is a school that is dedicated to providing an outstanding education to every child. Our lovely students, hardworking teachers, and supportive parents create a community that is committed to excellence in all areas of education.

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed Learning Support Assistant who has experience in supporting pupils with special needs in a mainstream setting and has excellent communication and observation skills. Some of these pupils demonstrate challenging behaviours, sensory difficulties and can become overwhelmed, and we are seeking someone who is are passionate about enabling children and young people with Autism to thrive.

Successful candidates will be expected to carry out detailed observations of pupils and to work 1 - 1 and in small groups in the provision as well as supporting our pupils in the main school when they join for specific learning opportunities. They will be expected to demonstrate and help implement Autism specific strategies.

Your Duties & Responsibilities

• To make every day stimulating, exciting and developmental for the pupils in the SRP.
• To ensure that the identified needs and targets for development as detailed on the EHC plans are being catered for and impact measured
• To use assessment method to capture the small steps as well as the significant ones
• To ensure that the entirely bespoke curriculum provides each child with the opportunity to explore all subjects and develop life skills
• To liaise efficiently and regularly with SRP leader regarding the quality of education and pupils’ needs and progress
• To work with the parents/carers of every child to ensure that they feel fully informed, supported and re-assured about their child’s journey and education during their time with us

Requirements

• Experience and high level of knowledge and understanding around creating learning opportunities to support and develop children with autism, Essential

• First Aid Training Desirable

• Understanding of Safeguarding

• Great communication skills and is committed to working well in a team and individually

Job Specifics

Start date: as soon as possible

Salary: AS 1-5 £24,534 - £25,893 actual pro rata salary £20,139-£21,255 (dependent on experience)

Job role: Fixed Term 1year, Full-time, Term-time plus inset days, 35 hours per week.

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.

Safeguarding

We believe in the safeguarding and welfare of children and expect all staff to share this view’.

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.

The Department for Education (DfE) has set out statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ for schools and colleges on safeguarding.

Safeguarding is defined in paragraph 4 as:

“Protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.”

The definition of 'children' includes everyone under the age of 18.

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

Advantage Schools is committed to safeguarding and child protection at every stage of the recruitment process.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About The Vale Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 2 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 602 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 2 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: The Vale Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-vale-academy

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