Learning Support Assistant / LSA (AWDO-P14745) in Swalcliffe)

Swalcliffe Park School is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated team supporting autistic students across Key Stages 3 to 5. This rewarding role involves classroom support, SEN support, mentoring, safeguarding and promoting student development in education and community settings.

We welcome applications from those who have experience in SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Mentor, Classroom Support Assistant, Pastoral Support Worker, Teaching Assistant, LSA or Classroom Support Worker roles.

Salary: £25,185 – £25,989 per annum (Actual)

Benefits: Generous holiday (13 weeks’ paid holiday to be taken in school holidays), NEST Pension Scheme, sickness entitlement (2 weeks full pay, 2 weeks half pay), and a free lunchtime meal.

Location: Swalcliffe, Nr Banbury, Oxfordshire (OX15)

Job Type: Full‑time, term‑time, permanent

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week – 39 weeks term time

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist residential education setting rated “Outstanding” by OFSTED for Education & Care. Swalcliffe Park School provides specialist residential education and care for around 70 secondary‑aged boys (10‑19 yrs) who are all on the Autism Spectrum. We offer excellent working conditions in a beautiful environment, including paid school holidays, opportunities for career development and staff training.

As a Learning Support Assistant you will support students across KS3 to KS5 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), helping them develop communication, independence and self‑management skills both in the classroom and within the community. You will work closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams, contributing to high‑quality SEN support, safeguarding and student wellbeing in a collaborative educational environment.

• Supporting students: work with groups and individual students in classroom and community learning environments.
• Providing SEN support: assist students with ASC to access education and social opportunities.
• Supporting learning activities: help students with coursework, homework, revision and exam preparation.
• Monitoring progress: observe behaviour and learning styles to support individual learning targets and EHCP outcomes.
• Working collaboratively: liaise with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams and families to support student development.
• Maintaining records: accurately update student information using school systems and provision maps.
• Promoting safeguarding: follow safeguarding, child protection and health & safety procedures at all times.
• Supporting community access: transport and accompany students to educational placements, college activities and work experience opportunities.
• Contributing to school life: support whole‑school activities, student wellbeing initiatives and cover arrangements when required.

• GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Experience of working with young people in an educational or youth/community setting.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with a student‑centred approach.
• Awareness of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• IT proficiency, including Word, Excel and email.
• Full UK driving licence, with eligibility and willingness to drive school vehicles (subject to insurance).

• Experience supporting autistic young people or those with social communication needs.
• Knowledge of EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning or willingness to undertake training.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment (e.g., with speech & language therapists, occupational therapists or psychologists).
• Ability to contribute to assessment and reporting processes.
• Awareness of health and safety in educational settings.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake an enhanced disclosure. We are an equal opportunities employer.