Secondary Learning Support Instructional Assistant

Department: Secondary Learning Support

Reports To: Head of Student Support & Wellbeing/ Learning Support Lead   / Assigned Learning Support Teacher

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Purpose

The Secondary Learning Support (LS) Instructional Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of Learning Support services and the school’s Inclusive Access Arrangements. This position uniquely combines administrative coordination with direct student instruction and invigilation.

A primary focus of this role is managing, coordinating, and invigilating testing accommodations—including separate-setting arrangements—for students across various assessments (including IB programmes). When not supporting assessment logistics, the Instructional Assistant works collaboratively within mainstream classrooms to provide targeted student support and extend the capacity of the Learning Support teaching team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assessment Coordination & Invigilation

• Testing Logistics & Scheduling: Coordinate, schedule, and prepare testing environments and materials for students requiring approved accommodations, including separate settings.
• Invigilation: Serve as a primary invigilator for assessments and examinations, ensuring strict adherence to individual Inclusive Access Arrangements (e.g., extra time, rest breaks, separate setting) and examination regulations.
• Record Keeping & Confidentiality: Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential records of student accommodations, assessment schedules, and testing outcomes.
• Communication: Liaise effectively with LS teachers, mainstream subject teachers, and relevant staff to ensure seamless execution of testing arrangements across multiple class periods daily.

2. Instructional Support & Classroom Push-In

• Direct Student Support: Provide classroom push-in support under the guidance of LS teachers to help students access curriculum content successfully within mainstream classes.
• Resource Preparation: Assist in preparing adapted teaching materials, visual aids, and learning resources tailored to individual student needs.
• Pedagogical Assistance: Implement evidence-based strategies and accommodations to help students meet their individualized learning goals.
• Progress Monitoring: Assist teachers in collecting observational and academic data to track student progress and close learning gaps.

3. Holistic Student Development & Classroom Management

• Positive Learning Environment: Foster a caring, safe, and encouraging environment that promotes student confidence, engagement, and emotional well-being.
• Classroom Routines: Support the implementation of consistent classroom routines, positive behavior support plans, and active management strategies.
• Safety & Crisis Response: Assist teachers and school staff during emergency situations or behavioral crises to ensure student safety.

4. Collaboration & Professional Partnership

• Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Work in close partnership with LS teachers, counselors, teachers, and school leadership to support student plans.
• Coordinate and maintain LST documentation and shared departmental resources to support effective communication and collaboration across the Student Support team.
• Family Engagement: Assist in maintaining positive, respectful communication with families to reinforce student learning across home and school environments.

5. Programme Administration & Operations

• Inventory Management: Maintain accurate records and physical inventories of department equipment, specialized testing tools, assistive technology, and instructional supplies.
• General Administrative Support: Complete routine administrative and operational tasks as assigned by the reporting officer or department head.

Key Competencies & Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Prior experience in an educational setting, preferably supporting secondary school students or learners with special educational needs (SEN).
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional time management, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex schedules independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and well-organised, with the ability to anticipate needs, plan ahead, work independently, and confidently use digital tools and systems.
• Reliability & Confidentiality: High level of personal integrity and discretion when handling sensitive student records and assessment materials.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to build positive rapport with teenagers and collaborate effectively with faculty.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to step between administrative testing tasks and active classroom support as daily schedules demand.