SEN Learning Assistant
New River College Secondary, London, N7 8RH14 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
26 November 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
12 November 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Working pattern
- Full time: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, term time only
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Sc5
Additional allowances
SEN 1
What skills and experience we're looking for
At the direction of the class teacher, assess the needs of pupils and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support pupils’ learning both in and out of class
Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations
Enhance pupil opportunity through support of Pupil Passports or SEN Support Plans
Act as a mentor for pupils, providing effective and timely interventions meeting their personal development targets and SEMH needs
Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom and at times off site in pupils homes, local community or on outings
Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs
Encourage pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all pupils in activities
Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance
Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement
Support for teachers
The following duties are to be carried out under the direction and guidance of the class teacher:
At the direction of the class teacher, organise and manage appropriate learning environment and resources
At the direction of the class teacher, plan challenging teaching and learning objectives to evaluate and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate
Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies against pre-determined learning objectives
Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence
Under the direction of the class teacher record progress and achievement in lessons/activities systematically and providing evidence of range and level of progress and attainment
Work within an established behaviour Management policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self-control and independence
In collaboration with the class teacher, supporting the role of parents in pupils’ learning and contribute to/lead meetings with parents to provide constructive feedback on pupil progress/achievement etc
Invigilate exams/tests
Under the direction of the class teacher, production of lesson plans, worksheet, plans etc where appropriate
Support for the curriculum
Deliver learning activities to pupils at the direction of the class teacher, adjusting activities according to pupil responses/needs
Make effective use of opportunities provided by other learning activities to support the development of pupils’ skills
Use ICT effectively to support learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use
Select and prepare resources necessary to deliver learning activities, taking account of pupils’ interests and language and cultural backgrounds
In collaboration with the class teacher, advise on appropriate deployment and use of specialist aid/resources/equipment
Support for the AP
Comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person
Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of NRC
Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support achievement and progress of pupils
Take the initiative as appropriate to develop appropriate multi-agency approaches to supporting pupils
Recognise own strengths and areas of specialist expertise and use these to lead, advise and support others
Deliver out of school learning activities within guidelines established by NRC
Contribute to the identification and execution of appropriate out of school learning activities which consolidate and extend work carried out in class
What the school offers its staff
We offer our staff the following commitments and benefits:
Competitive pay – All teachers and support staff in Islington receive Inner London Weighting in recognition of high living costs. In addition, all NRC teachers and support staff receive a SEND allowance in recognition of the skills needed to support our students.
Staff supervision – All staff have a fortnightly one-to-one supervision meeting with their line manager. These meetings include wellbeing check-ins, and an opportunity to discuss work concerns with managers and get their support with day-to-day issues. The outcomes of these meetings are noted on the one-to-one template, signed, and copies are kept by staff and their line manager.
Open-door policy – Our line managers have an open-door policy for staff to discuss any wellbeing concerns that can't wait until the one-to-one supervision meeting. If unavailable at the time, line managers will try to be available at the end of the day, or staff can meet with another line manager who can provide support and feedback to their line manager.
Reflective practice – Staff can also request one-to-one support from NRC's CAMHS clinicians to discuss any concerns.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – EAPs offer employees free, confidential and independent support to help them balance their work, family and personal lives. Our EAP is unrivalled in its cost-effectiveness, breadth of services and use of technology to offer the most comprehensive range of support for our staff.
Tax-free childcare scheme – To qualify for this government scheme, parents have to be in work for at least 16 hours a week and earning not more than £100,000 per year. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare.
Subsidised fitness club membership – In January, June and October, NRC staff can apply for special membership of the seven council-owned leisure centres in Islington managed by GLL (also called Better). The offer is for GLL's Better Health and Fitness membership which includes access to gyms, swimming pools and group exercise classes.
Tax-free bicycle loan scheme – A partnership between NRC and Cycle to work scheme, this scheme offers a loan for staff (paid for via the school's HR team) with up to 42% off a bike of their choice. To qualify, staff must have completed six months’ service, be on a permanent contract (or if on fixed-term contract, have one year remaining) and be earning not less than the minimum wage.
Interest-free season ticket loans – These allow staff to buy an annual travelcard; the loan is recovered over 10 monthly payments.
Welfare loan – Staff experiencing financial hardship can request a loan of up to £500, which must be repaid over a maximum of six months. Admin and interest charges apply.
Eye tests and glasses – If staff use a computer for two or more hours each day, they are entitled to a free eye test every three years and, depending on their prescription, free basic lenses and frames. Costs associated with the test will be covered by the school.
Long service award – Employees in post after October 2001 will receive a £250 long service award after 20 years’ service with Islington or 25 years’ service in local government.
Wellbeing day – Employees at New River College can request 1 day off per academic year, which will not count as neither sickness or special leave. Terms and conditions apply.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
New River College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. New River College is a diverse and inclusive school where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly welcome applications from those from a black or ethnic minority background.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About New River College Secondary
- Organisation type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 11 to 16
- Size
- 26 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- victoria.lizarazo@nrc.islington.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 02075040534
NRC is the Alternative Provision school in Islington. We are looking for staff who have the ability to work with pupils with SEMH, who have been excluded (or at risk of), pupils with (often undiagnosed) SEN needs, in need of support with their behaviour as well as medical needs.
School location
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