Description
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).
Key Responsibilities
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.
General
- 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.
QAC complies with Safeguarding guidelines and all appointees are required to have DBS Check and two reference
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
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
Why Work at Queen Alexandra Charity
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;
Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)
Academic Year 2024/25
Academic Year 2024/25
- Access to on site car parking
- Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
- Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
- Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
- QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
- BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
- Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
- Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
- Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
- Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
- Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
- Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
- Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
- Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
- Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
- On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
- Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
- Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
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.
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.
About Queen Alexandra Charity
Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC) provides education, residential support, community services and enterprises in support of young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun 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 small and support levels high.
We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.
Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.
Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).
Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun 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 small and support levels high.
We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.
Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.
Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).
All students, clients and staff are supported within safe and well-resourced environments.
QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.
QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.
We continue to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre, who are proud of QAC’s achievements and who wish to be an integral part of ongoing and future successes.
As Leaders in Diversity which drives the culture at QAC and we warmly welcome applications from individuals who share our values, from all backgrounds, to add to our committed and diverse team.
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