Learning Support Assistant (SEMH/SEN), Shaftesbury

About Our School

Coombe House School is an independent special institution catering to students aged 5 to 19 with SEMH and ASD, along with associated challenges. This demographic represents the largest group of children and young people within the Dorset area supported by an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) nationally. Every student enrolled possesses an EHCP. Our school employs a therapeutic approach to assist students in overcoming their individual difficulties. Our philosophy is grounded in building and maintaining positive relationships, viewing all behavior as a form of communication.

We seek individuals who flourish in a challenging yet incredibly rewarding environment, those who are dedicated to enhancing social, life, and independence skills, and who genuinely wish to make a difference in the lives of our pupils. Our Learning Support Assistants are characterized by their kindness, patience, calm demeanor, and compassion, as they strive to establish trusting relationships with our students.

More About the Role:

- Assist teachers and staff in fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
- Provide therapeutic support to pupils as needed.
- Engage students in activities and learning initiatives designed by the teacher, both on and off campus.
- Aid students in managing their behavior and learning.
- Equip students with crucial coping strategies.
- Support pupils in enhancing their behavior through a constructive behavioral approach.
- Instruct students in emotional self-regulation, as well as social interaction and communication skills, under the guidance of the class teacher.

For more details regarding the job responsibilities and person specifications, please refer to the job description. If you aspire to work in a nurturing and unique educational environment, we encourage you to complete the application process.

The salary for this position ranges from £25,989 – £26,824 FTE per annum (Actual term time only salary is £22,878 to £23,613 per annum).

Working hours are as follows:

Full Time (35 hours):
08.30 – 16.00 Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
08.30 – 16.30 on Wednesday
08.30 – 15.30 on Friday

Coombe House School is situated on a private road, providing a secluded environment within its expansive grounds, which encompass over 160,000 sq ft and 55 acres.

What Coombe House School Offers You:

- A workplace set in stunning surroundings.
- Competitive salary.
- Access to an employee assistance program.
- Enhanced Pension Scheme (10% employer contribution).
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
- Access to leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool) during designated times.
- Death in Service benefit (3 times salary).
- Health Care Plan after the probation period, which reimburses costs for dental check-ups, eye exams, prescription charges, and therapies.
- A highly supportive leadership team and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of SEN specialists.
- The chance to play a crucial role at the beginning of this exciting and unique journey.

We will begin conducting interviews prior to the application deadline, so please do not hesitate to submit your application. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager at 01747 449858.

Application Deadline: Sunday, 19 April 2026

This position involves working with children or vulnerable adults and/or having access to sensitive information about them, and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check. We are dedicated to safeguarding and expect all staff and visitors to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to communicate any worries they may have. The well-being of the child is always our priority. The successful candidate must be prepared to undergo child protection screening, which includes checks with previous employers and an enhanced DBS.