Learning Support Teacher

Job Title: Learning Support Teacher

Department: Learning Support

Our Mission at The Alice Smith School

Reflecting the spirit of our school anthem: ‘Soon there were two, who were joined by a few’. Alice Smith began a transformative movement with just two individuals. This bold initiative sparked a positive shift, inspiring numerous families to join in creating a nurturing environment for many learners, establishing a second home for numerous students.

In this tradition, we strive to uphold the Alice Smith legacy by fostering a caring community that motivates our students to engage with the world through courage, curiosity, and kindness.

Together, we aspire to build a better world.

Our mission is anchored in our three strategic pillars:

Our People

We are a diverse team of specialists and curious individuals, working collaboratively to push the boundaries of education and facilitate learning in an ever-changing world.

Our Students

We empower our students to boldly explore various pathways within a setting that allows them to make a significant impact as their authentic selves.

Our World

We are a connected and supportive community that innovates, investigates, and learns collectively.

Job Overview

The Learning Support Teacher will work closely with the Assistant Principal for Learning Support/EAL to provide assistance to students across the Primary Campus.

As a key member of the Learning Support team, the LS teacher will collaborate with educators, specialists, and professionals to effectively meet the varied needs of students at KLASS.

Review

This job description will be reviewed annually in line with the school's accountability policy.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Expectations

As a specialist, the LS teacher is expected to be an effective educator, communicator, and manager who both challenges and supports the learning environment for students across the primary campus by:

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Prioritizing and nurturing the well-being of students—addressing the whole child.

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Employing appropriate assessments to identify gaps in skills, knowledge, and aptitude.

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Developing and executing personalized learning strategies to meet these identified needs.

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Diligently monitoring student progress.

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Making informed decisions regarding the personalized learning plans for each student in their care.

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Communicating clearly, professionally, and sensitively with parents, teachers, leaders, teaching assistants, and relevant professionals as necessary.

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Managing their schedule to provide optimal support for students based on their needs at any time.

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Building trust and confidence with all individuals they engage with.

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Fostering positive relationships among parents, students, and supporting adults.

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Engaging and motivating students with whom they interact.

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Providing individualized support to students as required.

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Assisting teachers in the planning, implementation, and assessment of the curriculum for students as needed.

Responsibilities

The LS teacher will report to the Learning Support Leader on:

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The support provided across the primary campus.

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The provision map outlining LS support for students.

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Assessment outcomes at the beginning and end of support.

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Student progress.

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Results from IEP review meetings.

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Collaboration with all parties involved with IEPs.

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Auditing and moderating IEPs prepared by teachers.

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Communication with schools referring students to KLASS.

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Collaboration with the secondary campus as needed.

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Engagement with external agencies/paraprofessionals working within the school, including School Counsellors, SALT, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, etc.

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Effectiveness of referral processes and early identification of challenges.

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The efficiency of the timetable in delivering appropriate support for students.

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Identifying the professional development needs of teachers as necessary.

Main Tasks

TEACHING AND LEARNING

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The LS teacher will show genuine concern for creating a caring, efficient, and stimulating environment within the school.

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Play a crucial role in ensuring students identified for support achieve substantial progress.

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Contribute to enhancing the standards of teaching and learning for the students they work with.

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Aim to be an exemplary practitioner and professional, familiar with and upholding the school's philosophies.

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Recognize the importance of building positive relationships with all members of the school community, particularly students and their parents.

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Work diligently to establish effective communication channels among class teachers, outside agencies, students, and parents.

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Have a strong understanding of relevant learning technologies and their impact on student achievement.

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Demonstrate proficient personal technology skills to facilitate learning, teaching, and related administrative tasks as appropriate.

MANAGEMENT OF STUDENTS’ ATTAINMENT AND PROGRESS

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The teacher is expected to participate in administering admissions assessments.

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Utilize school and department assessment and diagnostic systems to review, monitor, and report on student attainment and progress.

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Maintain a provision map that tracks interventions accessed by students during their time at KLASS and their impacts on academic success.

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Provide personalized support to students in class, either individually or in groups, based on their needs.

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Focus on the targets specified in the IEP for each student.

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Regularly review these IEPs with input from all relevant adults and professionals associated with the student.

MANAGEMENT OF STAFF

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The LS teacher will hold an advisory role within the school—sharing the responsibility to educate other colleagues and students to promote a collaborative and supportive approach for each student in need.

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Acting as a key worker in specific year groups, the teacher will provide feedback on the professional development needs of individual teachers and TAs who support students.

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Deliver and assist in the delivery of INSET, CPD, and staff meetings to inform staff about current strategies and teaching methodologies.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

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The teacher will advise class teachers on the resources necessary to implement the adapted curriculum for students as needed.

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Collaborate with the Assistant Principal for LS/EAL to ensure that adequate resources are available for provision.

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Identify resources required to develop and support curriculum strategies for selected priorities.

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Source resources for interventions as appropriate to benefit students.

MANAGEMENT OF THE REPRESENTATION OF LS WITHIN THE SCHOOL

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Ensure high levels of student engagement and participation.

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Keep all staff and parents informed about the achievements and progress of the relevant students they support.

The LS teacher will typically maintain an 80% teaching timetable.

Safe Recruitment Practices:

As a school dedicated to a diverse group of experts, we adhere to stringent recruitment practices that fulfill the highest international standards. We conduct thorough pre-employment checks on references and verify qualifications. For more details regarding the School's 'Pre-Appointment Checks,' please consult with our People and Culture representative, as procedures may vary based on nationality.

We highlight the significance of meticulous checks to ensure a safe and secure environment for our students. By implementing rigorous recruitment practices, we strive to provide a nurturing and secure learning atmosphere for all our students.

The responsibilities and duties associated with this position may evolve over time based on the changing needs of the school. This job description may be reviewed at the reasonable discretion of the Head of School and school leadership in consultation with the post holder.