Learning Support Assistant (Specialist 1:1 Support – Foundation Stage)

Help Shape a Child's Future

Loudwater Combined School is seeking a compassionate, patient and dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join our friendly and inclusive team. This is a rewarding opportunity to provide specialist 1:1 support for a Foundation Stage pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who is autistic, non\-verbal and requires continuous adult support throughout the school day.

About the Role

· Provide consistent 1:1 support throughout the school day.

· Help the child access learning through play, exploration and personalised activities.

· Support communication using visual supports, Makaton, PECS, AAC or other agreed strategies.

· Promote social interaction, emotional wellbeing and increasing independence where appropriate.

· Work closely with the class teacher, SENDCo, parents and external professionals including Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists.

· Support personal care and sensory regulation where required.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

· Warm, caring and nurturing.

· Patient, calm and emotionally resilient.

· Experienced in supporting children with SEND, ideally within an Early Years setting.

· Passionate about inclusive education and helping every child achieve their potential.

· An excellent team player with strong communication skills.

· Willing to undertake specialist training in autism, communication and sensory needs.

What We Can Offer

· A welcoming and supportive staff team.

· Excellent opportunities for professional development and specialist SEND training.

· Strong leadership and mentoring.

· A genuinely inclusive school where every child is known and valued.

· The opportunity to make a lasting difference to a young child's development and future.

Safeguarding

Loudwater Combined School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and all pre\-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

How to Apply

We warmly welcome visits to the school before applying. Please complete the school's application form and provide a supporting statement explaining how your experience, skills and personal qualities meet the requirements of this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE Grade 4/C or equivalent in English and Mathematics.


• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Training in Autism, Makaton, PECS, AAC, Team Teach (or equivalent), Positive Behaviour Support, Paediatric First Aid or Sensory Processing

Experience

Essential

• Experience of supporting children with SEND.


• Experience of working within an Early Years or primary setting.


• Experience of building positive relationships with children who require high levels of support.

• Experience supporting autistic, non\-verbal children.


• Experience implementing EHCP provision.


• Experience working alongside Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists or other professionals

Essential

• Understanding of child development, particularly within the EYFS.


• Understanding of autism.


• Knowledge that behaviour communicates need.


• Understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice.

• Knowledge of alternative communication systems.


• Understanding of sensory processing and regulation.


• Knowledge of intimate care procedures.

Essential

• Excellent communication and listening skills.


• Ability to build trusting relationships.


• Ability to remain calm, patient and consistent.


• Accurate observation and record keeping.


• Ability to adapt learning through play\-based approaches.

• Ability to use Makaton, PECS, AAC or visual supports.


• Confidence contributing to provision maps and annual reviews.

Essential

• Caring, nurturing and emotionally resilient.


• Calm under pressure.


• Flexible and reflective.


• Professional and reliable.


• Committed to safeguarding and inclusion.

• Enthusiastic about specialist SEND practice.


• Positive sense of humour and willingness to learn.

Essential

• Enhanced DBS clearance.


• Good attendance record.


• Willingness to support personal care where required.


• Ability to work indoors and outdoors and accompany educational visits.


• Willingness to undertake specialist training.

Interview Dates \- 16th \& 17th July 2026

Pay: From £24,836\.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking


• On\-site parking

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