Lead Learning Support Assistant - LEAP presso Queen Alexandra Charity

The Lead Learning Support Assistant will support the Tutor within a designated group/curriculum area and contribute to the teaching led organisation of the learning environment. The role will support classroom management and LSA co-ordination, assist with curriculum resources and the evaluation and tracking of student progression, including contributing to annual reviews and short-term cover delivery (under Tutor instruction).

·         Promote the values, aims and ethos of QAC both within the teaching and learning context and within the corporate life of the College. 

 

·         Contribute to the Tutor led organisation of the learning environment, ensuring students’ development, well-being & independence of thought and action is central to activity.

 

·         Be a role model for positive behaviour and demonstrate the application of College values in everyday work with students and colleagues. Take a lead within the group to promote and develop positive behaviour, including contributions to safety plans and liaison with specialists.

 

·         Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, provide high quality support for students with a range of disabilities, working patiently and respectfully in accordance with individual learning needs, adopting a total communication approach. As Lead LSA for the group, contribute to and liaise with multi-disciplinary teams across College. 

 

·         Support the Tutor with classroom management and co-ordination of learning support within the group, including LSA breaks.

 

·         Support LSA Managers by providing guidance and acting as an initial point of contact for LSA’s within the group. Assist with the identification of training needs, induction and development of LSA’s, providing feedback as needed.

 

·         Work in collaboration with LSA managers to support and implement break and lunch support, including liaison around absence cover and day to day staffing arrangements. 

 

·         Make use of initial and ongoing assessment documentation and information to become familiar with the needs of students supported. As Lead LSA, ensure that the information is shared with and familiar to the LSA’s within the group.

 

·         Contribute to the assessment process and maintain records of progress towards individual targets using Databridge MIS. Support the Tutor through observation and reporting on student skills development and the evaluation and tracking of students’ progression. 

 

·         Monitor and report on student attendance for the group, in line with College procedures.

 

·         Support the Tutor with the preparation and development of curriculum resources. Provide occasional short term cover (under Tutor instruction). 

 

·         Develop knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the curriculum area, including completion of relevant training/qualifications (where appropriate), to develop the quality and impact of learning support within the group.

 

·         Support activities that develop English and Maths skills. 

 

·         Implement assistive and alternative communication skills, e.g. Braille, Makaton, PECS, BSL, bi-multilingual. 

 

·         Act as a personal tutor for a number of students, contributing to student well-being and resilience through the tutorial system. 

 

·         Contribute to the college-wide operation of activities such as informal visits, exhibitions, open days, career events, assessments etc.

 

·         Act as an occasional guide for potential and current students both on and off campus, supervising learners to maintain the safety of themselves and others in all environments.

 

·         Provide high quality care, support and supervision for students during the college day, including breaks, lunchtimes and non-directed time, promoting and encouraging independence in lunchtime and other activities. 

 

·         Assist any student in need of personal care as required e.g. lunchtime, clubs, around the campus, on trips, or if specifically asked to assist at a given time, carrying out such support with dignity and respect for the student. 

 

·         Contribute to, and follow, behaviour support strategies in place, liaising with appropriate student support colleagues as directed and attending relevant behaviour training updates as part of CPD. Model established behaviour support strategies to group LSA’s in liaison with the class Tutor.

 

·         Participate in ongoing staff development to develop knowledge on disabilities, relevant communication methods and support.

 

·         Participate fully in staff and team meetings and as Lead LSA ensure relevant information is cascaded to all LSA’s in the group.

 

·         Supervise learners in enrichment activities, which include sport & leisure & Club sessions, and maintain such records as required to monitor attendance and progress.

 

·         Adhere to the College’s Health and Safety Policy at all times, recognising responsibility for own safety and that of others.

·         Act at all times in accordance with the Staff Code of Conduct and QAC Values of Respect, Excellence, Enabling, Collaboration and Inclusion.

·         Comply with all College policies and procedures

·         Maintain CPD and undertake appropriate training and development as required, including any mandatory and/or refresher training required for the role.

·         To undertake other duties as commensurate with the role and in agreement with the LSA Manager.

 

The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the College.

Able to evidence English & Maths Level 2 qualifications, or undertake skills assessment to demonstrate equivalent level

Level 3 qualification

Recent experience working with students in a learning environment, in the FE or schools sector

Demonstrate awareness of different        teaching and learning strategies as appropriate to people with visual impairment or other disabilities, or students with challenging behaviours

Working knowledge of complex physical, communication or learning difficulties, with experience of reducing barriers to learning for young people 

Experience of support with student targets, including tracking electronically and maintaining electronic/paper student records

To demonstrate a student led approach, putting student needs at the centre of all activity

Experience within a role requiring confidentiality and discretion, with knowledge and understanding of GDPR in an education setting

Familiar with administration of medication processes

Competence (Level 1 equivalent) in digital skills including use of Microsoft Office and centralised recording (Databridge)

Able to support learning activities independently and evaluate impact of support strategies

To have or be willing to develop skills in areas such as assistive communications (e.g. Braille, Makaton, PECS, BSL, bi-multilingual), personal care, behaviour management, risk assessment, administration of medicines, or subject specialisms

Good communication and interpersonal skills, able to adapt style/methods of communication to different needs 

Able to work as part of a flexible and responsive team 

Interpret instruction from specialists (Tutors/Therapists etc) & develop students’ ability to implement their coping strategies 

Develop and promote positive relationships

To understand safeguarding principles and practice and be able to apply and role model to others

Demonstrate and promote College Values, with a positive attitude to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Commitment to CPD and willing to undertake further training to achieve the requirements of the role 

Patient and empathetic approach

Ability to motivate, empower and enable others

Proactive and well-organised  

Join our team at Queen Alexandra College!

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has just gone through an exciting rebrand, dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.  

The newly structured Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high. 

Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:

 

·      Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals

·      Make a difference to the educational experience of young people

·      Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education

·      Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence

·      Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.

Our benefits include;

This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.

We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,
personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to review the job description above.

Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school,
including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in
employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you
believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and
person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by
the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.
Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from
engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are
available here

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in 
September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may 
enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information.