Learning Support Assistant / LSA / Alternative Therapeutic Education

Learning Support Assistant / LSA who has experience working with vulnerable children and young people is required for an alternative therapeutic education provider.

The organisation provides therapeutic education where animals, nature and outdoor learning play a key role in helping children and young people engage with education. You don’t need prior animal expertise but will need a willingness to work with and learn about animals. This is a very ‘hands on’ role, working outside in the elements and great fun for the right person, and not so fun for someone who likes to be based in a classroom every day. So, if you prefer the warmth of being indoors then this role wouldn’t be a great fit.

However, if you are passionate about working with young people and the way in which animals can help us make sense of the world, and help us learn, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

SALARY: £23,600 - £25,272 per annum depending on experience (Salary will be pro-rata for part-time or term-time only positions)

BENEFITS: Casual Dress, Company Events, Pension and the chance to work in a great learning environment

LOCATION: There are positions at three sites, West Horsley (Surrey) and Shamley Green (Guildford Surrey) and Liss (Hampshire)

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Part-Time, Term-Time and Non-Term Time Positions Available

The salary listed is for full-time, all year-round positions. Part time roles (minimum of 3 days) may be accepted based on the needs of the organisation for which the salary will be pro-rata. We also accept term time and non-term time applicants, along with welcoming applicants who wish to work a regular weekend day as part of their working week (not essential). Term Time positions will be pro rata of the above salary and based on 41 Weeks.

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant / LSA who has experience working with children and young people.

Working as a Learning Support Assistant / LSA you will join an innovative education provider offering alternative therapeutic education grounded in a nurturing animal / farm-based environment.

As a Learning Support Assistant / LSA you will provide a supportive and engaging learning experience for children and young people with diverse needs, where animals, nature, and the great outdoors are integral to the curriculum.

We are particularly looking for people who have some established skills in working with young people with a range of needs. You will need to be resilient, as working with young people with complex needs can at times be challenging, as can working outside in all weather! All roles involve an element of ‘rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in’ and working creatively in ways to ultimately benefit vulnerable young people.

If you are excited by the prospect of fostering a love of learning through practical, hands-on activities and believe in the power of a holistic approach to education, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join?

The organisation offers you a friendly team, an outside work environment, a supportive place to work, and future progression opportunities.

DUTIES

Your duties as a Learning Support Assistant / LSA include:

• Support children and young people to engage in the learning sessions, undertake educational and therapeutic activities with animals on the farm, providing 1-1 and sometimes smaller groups for learners who need extra support.
• Support a full range of learning, including Animal Assisted Therapeutic Activities, working with complex children and young people. This will consist of supporting a vast variety of needs, including emotional, social, behavioural, learning and mental health needs. It will also involve getting significantly involved in animal care and everything the organisation does on the farm to make sure the service runs smoothly.
• You will get up close with a whole range of animals every day, from walking goats and ponies, to undertaking animal care tasks with young people. The key skill is how to engage children and young people who are often disengaged and struggle with motivation and building and maintaining positive relationships.
• Provide informal assessment of new young people, and contribute to formulating therapeutic and educational goals.
• Prepare and deliver structured Animal Assisted Therapy and/or Learning sessions for groups and individuals, including workshops and delivering learning plans/lessons where applicable.
• Oversee and undertake general liaison with young people, their carers/parents and relevant professionals.
• Contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the organisations and general team agenda, which may include ensuring animals are healthy, happy and looked after, and/or developmental or maintenance tasks as part of a current or ongoing organisational agenda.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Degree or higher education in a relevant field or extensive experience working with vulnerable children and young people / CYP.
• Previous experience of direct client work.
• Qualifications and experience in AAT or Equine Assisted therapy is beneficial (including online learning e.g. BSY/Centre of excellence).
• Experience of SEND or in an education setting is desirable.
• Experience in delivering psycho education workshops or supporting groups incorporating animals will be an added advantage.
• Confidence and knowledgeable in caring for animals.
• Sound knowledge of Safeguarding and good professional boundaries is essential.

The organisation is committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People. All roles are subject to Safeguarding scrutiny, including references and DBS Checks, prior to commencing employment.

APPLY TODAY…

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JOB REF: AWDO-P13228

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