Learning Support Assistant
South Petherton Junior School, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5AG15 days remaining to apply
Job start date
23 February 2026
Closing date
5 February 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
21 January 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Part time: 22.5 hours 8:45am - 1:15pm (Term Time Only)
Contract type
- Fixed term - August 2026
Pay scale
- Grade 14 Point 4
What skills and experience we're looking for
Qualifications and training
- GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and Maths
Experience
- Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting
- Experience working with children / young people with special educational needs (SEN)
- Experience planning and delivering learning activities
Skills and knowledge
Good literacy and numeracy skills
Good organisational skills
Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils and adults
Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils
Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs
Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role, and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils
Excellent verbal communication skills
Ability to work as part of a team and to be flexible in their approach to daily routines
Active listening skills
The ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children
Good ICT skills, particularly in using ICT to support learning
Personal qualities
Enjoyment of working with children
Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils
A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
Commitment to safeguarding pupil wellbeing and equality
Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference
Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people
What the school offers its staff
In return, we offer:
– A happy, forward looking school with a hard-working team
– Strong systems to support all learners
– A dedicated vision for CPD
– Committed pupils, parents and wider community who are fully supportive
Further information about the job
Supporting the pupil
Build a positive relationship with the pupil, promoting high self-esteem, independence and social inclusion
Promote high standards of behaviour, responding to incidents in line with the school’s behaviour policy and guidelines on physical intervention
Assist with the development and delivery of individual education, support and care plans
Support the pupil with their social, emotional and mental health needs, escalating concerns where appropriate
Teaching and learning
Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase the pupil’s achievement
Contribute to the planning of differentiated learning activities for the individual, delivering activities inside or outside the classroom
Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at helping the pupil achieve their full potential in all areas of learning
Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of the pupil in learning and extracurricular activities
Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures
Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment
Use ICT skills to advance the pupil’s learning
Through observations, provide regular feedback to teachers on the pupil’s progress, attainment and barriers to learning
Monitor, record and report on progress and attainment
Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons, if available
Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals
Share knowledge and understanding of the pupil with other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision
Communicate effectively with other staff members, pupils, and parents and carers
Keep other professionals accurately informed about performance, progress and any areas of concern
Understand their role to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers
Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school
Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues
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.
Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About South Petherton Junior School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 7 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 138 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 7 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- South Petherton Junior School website
- Email address
- gsmith@southpethertonjuniorschool.co.uk
- Phone number
- 01460 240172
Arranging a visit to South Petherton Junior School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email gsmith@southpethertonjuniorschool.co.uk.
School location
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