Learning Support Assistant
Description
ISP Role Profile Full-time Learning Support Assistant (Special Educational Needs)
About our School
Commencing operations in 2022, Westlink International School, Hanoi is part of a growing number of schools worldwide owned by the International Schools Partnership (ISP). It benefits from the insights, practices and resources of a network of 52 schools in 15 countries around the world, to ensure all children experience Amazing Learning.
Westlink Hanoi will cater to students from Elementary Prep through to Grade 12, offering two pathways. Students may join our rigorous international program built on standards from the United States and framed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme or our 50/50 Integrated Bilingual Program that combines the MOET standards with the international program. Quality and experienced teachers with International and Vietnamese experience practice inquiry-based teaching that emphasizes the student’s role in the learning process where they are actively encouraged to explore, ask and research.
Westlink International School’s location in Hanoi, Vietnam’s cultural and vibrant capital, gives it some of the best advantages that an international school could ask for in the country. Occupying an area of 2.5 hectares in the Star Lake Tay Ho Tay residential area, and conveniently located no more than 5 kilometers from most major locations and expatriate residential areas. Inspired by Korean-style luxury apartments, Star Lake Tay Ho Tay benefits from modern apartment designs, open green spaces, connecting many high-class utilities from international schools, trade centers to medical clinics, supermarkets, restaurants and green parks and lakes, meeting the needs of the “All-in One” lifestyle couples and families.
Responsible to: Principal and Line Manager
Purpose of Role: To assist and support pupils with special educational, social, emotional and behaviour difficulties.
Liaison with: SENCO, Principal, Assistant Principal, Class teachers and other support staff
Key Responsibilities
* The Learning Support Assistant’s (LSA) main role is to provide 1:1 support for a child with special educational, social, emotional and behavior difficulties.
* The LSA will ensure that the pupils can integrate as fully as possible in the activities generally undertaken by the other children in the class and make progress.
* Duties will include running specific programmes and activities to assist the pupils’ individual learning and social needs.
* The LSA will be responsible for implementing the targets on the pupils’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) in liaison with the class teachers and the SENCo.
- Supporting pupils
+ To provide learning support in 1:1 situation.
+ To develop knowledge of the particular needs of the child and seek advice from the SENCo, class teacher as required.
+ To aid access to the full range of learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom and provide modified materials as required e.g. worksheets, games, visual prompt cards etc.
+ To organise and maintain an inclusive learning environment across the whole school environment.
+ Provide positive reinforcements, praise and rewards to pupils.
+ Facilitate inclusion in small group activities with peers and support interaction between them.
+ To attend in service training and relevant meetings relevant to the post in order to keep up to date with developments in working with children with special educational needs.
- Supporting the SENCO
+ To work as part of the team to ensure that the well being and personal development of the pupil enhances their learning opportunities and life skills.
+ To attend planning meetings with the SENCo to develop learning programmes and to assist in the delivery of the individual learning programmes on a daily basis to promote learning, behaviour and communication skills.
+ To provide regular feedback to the SENCo about any pupil’s difficulties and progress.
+ To contribute to the pupils’ annual review by writing a brief report and attending the meeting
- Supporting the School
+ To foster links between home and school.
+ To participate in relevant professional development as deemed appropriate.
+ To understand and apply the school policies on learning and behaviour
+ To maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to the pupils’ needs but have regard to the safeguarding procedures of the school.
+ To carry out duties as directed by the SENCo or Principal
You must be able to:
- Carry out tasks and responsibilities under the direction of the SENCo, Class Teacher, Deputy Principal or Principal.
- Plan and prioritise tasks and work under the pressure of a busy inclusive school.
- Be productive and show initiative.
- Communicate effectively and appropriately to pupils with different abilities and ethnic backgrounds.
- Motivate pupils to learn.
- Motivate pupils to be sociable.
- Assist with the organisation of the learning environment.
- Maintain accurate records of the pupils.
- Work effectively with other adults in the school and wider community.
- Be a responsible and trustworthy role model.
- Have patience with children who find conforming to rules and expectations difficult.
- Have patience and be flexible and innovative with a clear understanding of how children might behave who find learning new concepts and remembering taught concepts difficult.
- Respect and maintain confidentiality but have regard to the safeguarding protocols of information sharing where necessary.
- Be computer literate.
- Attend training courses considered appropriate for the post.
Qualification & Experience:
- Strong English language communicative ability
- Bachelor’s degree in education or relevant field is preferred.
- A minimum of 2 years' experience to work with children with special educational needs.
- Have knowledge and understanding of the different social, cultural and physical needs of pupils or a willingness to learn.
- Have an interest in how children learn and behave.
- Provide appropriate role models of behaviour both in the classroom and around school.
- Really care about children, particularly those who find learning and managing their behaviour difficult.
- Have training in aspects of SEN, i.e. ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism or the willingness to undertake such training.
- Clean criminal records.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous ten years’ employment history.