Learning Support Assistant –Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 06 Chwefror 2026 |
|---|---|
| Oriau: | Llawn Amser |
| Dyddiad cau: | 02 Mawrth 2026 |
| Lleoliad: | Leeds, LS14 6HA |
| Cwmni: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Math o swydd: | Parhaol |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: | d5d99ddd-7cda-43a1-8932-7d1163fda959 |
Crynodeb
What skills and experience we're looking for
Support for Students
• Provide day-to-day support for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within the Connect provision.
• Build positive, trusting and professional relationships to promote emotional regulation, resilience and engagement in learning.
• Support students to develop key routines, independence and self-management skills.
• Implement individual support strategies as directed, including SEMH-focused interventions and behaviour-regulation approaches.
• Assist students in accessing an adapted curriculum through scaffolded learning tasks, 1:1 support, and small-group work.
• Promote and reinforce positive behaviour, using de-escalation techniques and restorative approaches where appropriate.
Support for Learning and Teaching
• Work collaboratively with the Inclusion Leader in the room to ensure a calm, structured and purposeful learning environment.
• Prepare, adapt and organise learning resources to meet pupils’ individual needs.
• Support the delivery of tailored activities and interventions designed to re-engage learners and build confidence.
• Monitor pupil engagement and progress, providing feedback to the Inclusion Leader and Connect Manager.
• Assist with the implementation of personalised plans, including Individual Support Plans, Pupil Passports and relevant strategies and intervention outlined in Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Connect Provision Operations
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, nurturing and consistent environment across the Connect provision.
• Support the smooth running of routines such as transitions, breakfast club, entry/exit procedures and structured breaks.
• Record observations, pastoral notes and relevant information accurately and promptly using school systems.
• Work collaboratively with the wider Connect team of five staff members to ensure shared expectations and consistent practice.
• Assist in maintaining an organised, well-resourced and welcoming learning space.
Professional Responsibilities, Relationships and Collaboration
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism and safeguarding standards at all times.
• Participate in training related to SEMH, trauma-informed practice, de-escalation and Special Education Needs and Disabilities support (SEND).
• Engage in regular team briefings, supervision and reflection meetings to support high-quality practice.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the Connect provision by sharing insights, ideas and good practice.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, specialist staff, and other professionals to support student outcomes.
• Develop strong relationships with students, acting as a positive role model and upholding high expectations with high support.
• Liaise sensitively and effectively with families, attending meetings and providing updates as required.
Administrative and Practical Support
• Assist with preparing, maintaining, and using specialist equipment and resources (e.g. overlays, writing boards).
• Support in exam settings by acting as a scribe, reader, or invigilator as required.
• Provide personal assistance during physical or practical activities (e.g. PE, cookery, school visits).
• Supervise students during off-site trips or extra-curricular activities as required.
• Attend training, meetings, and learning activities to support ongoing development in the Learning Support Assistant role.
• Understand and comply with safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, and data protection policies.
• Recognise personal strengths and areas for development and support colleagues as needed.
• Uphold and model the academy’s Core Values in all interactions.
What the school offers its staff
Terms and Conditions
All of our employees benefit from nationally negotiated terms and conditions including STPCD (teachers) or NJC Green book (support staff). This includes our commitment to the Real Living Wage Foundation.
Long Service Recognition
After 5 years continuous service, support staff will receive 5 additional days of annual leave entitlement (pro rata).
Flexible Working
We offer flexible working arrangements from term time only, part-time, job share opportunities, as well as hybrid working where possible. Flexible working can also be requested for colleagues undergoing fertility treatment.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing champions and Mental Health First Aiders are available in each of our academies, demonstrating our commitment to, and support for staff.
Family Friendly Policies
At the heart of our policies we strive to be family orientated to support work/life balance. This includes a policy to support emergency and special leave where required.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
All colleagues and their families have access to Health Assured, a confidential service to support our colleagues with their wellbeing. This includes access to a Health Assured app.
Generous Pensions Schemes
All employees benefit from wither Teachers Pension Scheme or LGPS.
Eye Test Vouchers
Employees using Display Screen Equipment (DSE) are provided with a free eye test and up to £69 towards selected glasses* , funded by the trust. If glasses are needed solely for DSE use, the trust will pay. (*Subject to terms and conditions).
Colleague Recognition Schemes
We have a variety of schemes across our schools that allows our staff to be recognised and thanked for their hard work.
Our Commitment to Wellbeing
Through our commitment to wellbeing we have committed to the staff wellbeing charter. This is in addition to being accredited as a Mindful Employer.
Car Parking
Through our commitment to wellbeing we have committed to the staff wellbeing charter. This is in addition to being accredited as a Mindful Employer.
Headspace
We are delighted to offer access to Headspace which is available for free, for all of our colleagues. Headspace helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you through science.
Salary Sacrifice Schemes
All colleagues have access to both the Tech Scheme and the Cycle to work scheme, which allows colleagues to spread the cost of these purchases, making NI savings of up to 12%.
Further details about the role
Connect is our academy’s specialist, nurturing pathway for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Purpose-built and highly resourced, it offers a calm, structured environment where pupils receive personalised support to re-engage with learning and rebuild confidence.
The provision includes two dedicated learning rooms, each led by an Inclusion Leader who ensures consistency, aspiration and a positive climate for growth. Oversight comes from the Connect Manager, who drives the strategic vision and maintains high-quality support across the team. You’ll be joining a committed group of five colleagues, all working together to deliver a cohesive, specialist offer for our learners.
Connect provides an adapted curriculum, targeted interventions and exceptional pastoral care to help students overcome barriers, develop key social and emotional skills, and prepare for a successful return to mainstream lessons.
In this role, you’ll be central to that mission. Working closely with the Inclusion Leader, Connect Manager and teaching staff, you’ll help create a safe, encouraging space where pupils feel understood and supported. Your work will include guiding emotional regulation, promoting engagement, supporting daily routines and delivering tailored activities that make a real difference.
This is a rewarding opportunity to champion some of our most vulnerable learners through a compassionate, relationship‑driven approach—giving every student the tools they need to thrive.
Commitment to safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check. Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability.
Support for Students
• Provide day-to-day support for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within the Connect provision.
• Build positive, trusting and professional relationships to promote emotional regulation, resilience and engagement in learning.
• Support students to develop key routines, independence and self-management skills.
• Implement individual support strategies as directed, including SEMH-focused interventions and behaviour-regulation approaches.
• Assist students in accessing an adapted curriculum through scaffolded learning tasks, 1:1 support, and small-group work.
• Promote and reinforce positive behaviour, using de-escalation techniques and restorative approaches where appropriate.
Support for Learning and Teaching
• Work collaboratively with the Inclusion Leader in the room to ensure a calm, structured and purposeful learning environment.
• Prepare, adapt and organise learning resources to meet pupils’ individual needs.
• Support the delivery of tailored activities and interventions designed to re-engage learners and build confidence.
• Monitor pupil engagement and progress, providing feedback to the Inclusion Leader and Connect Manager.
• Assist with the implementation of personalised plans, including Individual Support Plans, Pupil Passports and relevant strategies and intervention outlined in Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Connect Provision Operations
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, nurturing and consistent environment across the Connect provision.
• Support the smooth running of routines such as transitions, breakfast club, entry/exit procedures and structured breaks.
• Record observations, pastoral notes and relevant information accurately and promptly using school systems.
• Work collaboratively with the wider Connect team of five staff members to ensure shared expectations and consistent practice.
• Assist in maintaining an organised, well-resourced and welcoming learning space.
Professional Responsibilities, Relationships and Collaboration
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism and safeguarding standards at all times.
• Participate in training related to SEMH, trauma-informed practice, de-escalation and Special Education Needs and Disabilities support (SEND).
• Engage in regular team briefings, supervision and reflection meetings to support high-quality practice.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the Connect provision by sharing insights, ideas and good practice.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, specialist staff, and other professionals to support student outcomes.
• Develop strong relationships with students, acting as a positive role model and upholding high expectations with high support.
• Liaise sensitively and effectively with families, attending meetings and providing updates as required.
Administrative and Practical Support
• Assist with preparing, maintaining, and using specialist equipment and resources (e.g. overlays, writing boards).
• Support in exam settings by acting as a scribe, reader, or invigilator as required.
• Provide personal assistance during physical or practical activities (e.g. PE, cookery, school visits).
• Supervise students during off-site trips or extra-curricular activities as required.
• Attend training, meetings, and learning activities to support ongoing development in the Learning Support Assistant role.
• Understand and comply with safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, and data protection policies.
• Recognise personal strengths and areas for development and support colleagues as needed.
• Uphold and model the academy’s Core Values in all interactions.
What the school offers its staff
Terms and Conditions
All of our employees benefit from nationally negotiated terms and conditions including STPCD (teachers) or NJC Green book (support staff). This includes our commitment to the Real Living Wage Foundation.
Long Service Recognition
After 5 years continuous service, support staff will receive 5 additional days of annual leave entitlement (pro rata).
Flexible Working
We offer flexible working arrangements from term time only, part-time, job share opportunities, as well as hybrid working where possible. Flexible working can also be requested for colleagues undergoing fertility treatment.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing champions and Mental Health First Aiders are available in each of our academies, demonstrating our commitment to, and support for staff.
Family Friendly Policies
At the heart of our policies we strive to be family orientated to support work/life balance. This includes a policy to support emergency and special leave where required.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
All colleagues and their families have access to Health Assured, a confidential service to support our colleagues with their wellbeing. This includes access to a Health Assured app.
Generous Pensions Schemes
All employees benefit from wither Teachers Pension Scheme or LGPS.
Eye Test Vouchers
Employees using Display Screen Equipment (DSE) are provided with a free eye test and up to £69 towards selected glasses* , funded by the trust. If glasses are needed solely for DSE use, the trust will pay. (*Subject to terms and conditions).
Colleague Recognition Schemes
We have a variety of schemes across our schools that allows our staff to be recognised and thanked for their hard work.
Our Commitment to Wellbeing
Through our commitment to wellbeing we have committed to the staff wellbeing charter. This is in addition to being accredited as a Mindful Employer.
Car Parking
Through our commitment to wellbeing we have committed to the staff wellbeing charter. This is in addition to being accredited as a Mindful Employer.
Headspace
We are delighted to offer access to Headspace which is available for free, for all of our colleagues. Headspace helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you through science.
Salary Sacrifice Schemes
All colleagues have access to both the Tech Scheme and the Cycle to work scheme, which allows colleagues to spread the cost of these purchases, making NI savings of up to 12%.
Further details about the role
Connect is our academy’s specialist, nurturing pathway for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Purpose-built and highly resourced, it offers a calm, structured environment where pupils receive personalised support to re-engage with learning and rebuild confidence.
The provision includes two dedicated learning rooms, each led by an Inclusion Leader who ensures consistency, aspiration and a positive climate for growth. Oversight comes from the Connect Manager, who drives the strategic vision and maintains high-quality support across the team. You’ll be joining a committed group of five colleagues, all working together to deliver a cohesive, specialist offer for our learners.
Connect provides an adapted curriculum, targeted interventions and exceptional pastoral care to help students overcome barriers, develop key social and emotional skills, and prepare for a successful return to mainstream lessons.
In this role, you’ll be central to that mission. Working closely with the Inclusion Leader, Connect Manager and teaching staff, you’ll help create a safe, encouraging space where pupils feel understood and supported. Your work will include guiding emotional regulation, promoting engagement, supporting daily routines and delivering tailored activities that make a real difference.
This is a rewarding opportunity to champion some of our most vulnerable learners through a compassionate, relationship‑driven approach—giving every student the tools they need to thrive.
Commitment to safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check. Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability.