Learning Support Assistant (SEN)

Rads is a trauma-informed, restorative alternative provision in Hebden Bridge. We support young people through practical, creative and vocational education aligned with the AQA Unit Award Scheme.

We are recruiting a calm, confident and dependable Learning Support Assistant to work between 18 and 30 hours per week during our 39-week term-time year.

The role

You will work within a 2:1 staffing model, meaning two adults support one young person. Your time will be split between:

• Supporting lead facilitators during practical skills workshops
• Supporting students with regulation, engagement and progress
• Remaining in the room when external providers, such as English and maths tutors, deliver sessions
• Helping Rads maintain the staffing ratios and safeguarding arrangements agreed for each placement
• Preparing resources, completing records or undertaking CPD when direct support is not needed

Maintaining the agreed ratio is an active safeguarding responsibility. Even when working quietly in the background, you must remain observant, available and ready to respond.

Other responsibilities include:

• Building strong, respectful and professional relationships with students
• Maintaining calm, clear and consistent boundaries
• Using de-escalation and restorative approaches
• Listening to student voice while maintaining structure and expectations
• Supporting vocational, practical and creative activities
• Recognising and recording progress
• Gathering evidence towards AQA Unit Awards
• Completing session and safeguarding records
• Preparing and maintaining safe, welcoming learning spaces
• Working collaboratively with staff, tutors and visiting professionals
• Occasionally working at other agreed locations in Calderdale

About you

You should have relevant experience of supporting children or young people with needs or presentations including:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Pathological Demand Avoidance or demand-avoidant presentations
• Social, emotional and mental health needs
• Trauma-related behaviour or barriers to education
• Emotional dysregulation

You will need to be:

• A calm, positive and confident role model
• Skilled in de-escalation
• Able to establish strong professional relationships
• Comfortable maintaining firm but respectful boundaries
• Observant, reliable and able to work closely with others
• Flexible without losing sight of safety and expectations
• Committed to trauma-informed and restorative practice
• Willing to undertake training and continuing professional development

We are also looking for someone who is passionate about a subject, trade, hobby or activity that they can talk about and share with young people. This could include art, music, sport, gaming, nature, cooking, crafts, engineering, mechanics or practical trades.

Hours and pay

• 18–30 hours per week
• 39 weeks per year, during term time
• £14.50 basic hourly rate
• 12.07% rolled-up holiday pay
• £16.25 total paid hourly rate
• Start date as soon as possible

The working pattern will be agreed according to the successful applicant’s availability and the needs of the provision. Applicants should clearly state the days and hours they are available.

Driving and access to a vehicle are desirable because occasional work may take place elsewhere in Calderdale, but this is not essential.

Development and progression

Developing our staff is a core part of the Rads ethos. This role offers genuine opportunities for professional development, promotion and increased responsibility as Rads grows.

Strong team members may have opportunities to progress into senior support, lead facilitator or specialist delivery roles, depending on their performance, strengths, training and the needs of the provision.

Safer recruitment

Rads is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointment will be subject to safer-recruitment checks, including:

• An enhanced DBS check
• The appropriate children’s barred-list check
• Satisfactory references
• Identity and right-to-work checks
• Relevant employment-history checks

Applying

We are recruiting immediately and will review applications as they are received. Interviews may take place before the advert closes, and the position may be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Please include:

• Your experience of supporting young people with additional needs
• How you build positive relationships while maintaining strong boundaries
• Your approach to dysregulation and de-escalation
• A skill, interest or passion you could share with young people
• Your available days and hours
• Your earliest possible start date
• Whether you drive and have access to a vehicle

Pay: £14.50 per hour

Expected hours: 18.0 – 35.0 per week

Work Location: In person