Learning Support Assistant - Fixed Term - Term Time Only
Worthing High School
Recruitment Pack
August 2026
Learning Support
Assistant
Welcome Thank you for your interest in joining South Downs Education Trust. As a cross-phase
multi-academy trust based in the heart of West Sussex, we are proud to offer a unique
blend of pastoral care and high-quality, inclusive education.
We believe every child and young person reaches their full potential - regardless of
their starting point. Our core values guide everything we do:
We are excited to welcome passionate and dedicated professionals who share our
vision and values. Whether you are at the start of your career or looking for your
next challenge, South Downs Education Trust offers a supportive, ambitious, and
collaborative environment where you can truly thrive.
We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to our team.
Warm regards
Pan Panayiotou
Chief Executive Officer South Downs Education Trust
About us South Downs Education Trust (SDET) is a dynamic and growing Multi-Academy Trust
(MAT) committed to delivering exceptional educational outcomes across our schools.
Currently comprising two schools, we have ambitious plans to expand by incorporating
at least two additional schools in the near future. We are seeking a skilled and
proactive People Manager to drive our people strategy and support our growth.
Community – By working as one, we share expertise and achieve more for our schools.
Resilience – We prioritise the wellbeing of students and staff, fostering a culture of care, balance, and strength.
Integrity – We act with honesty and stay true to our values in all that we do. Respect – We celebrate individuality and encourage everyone to bring
their unique strengths and perspectives. Excellence – We are committed to delivering the very highest
standards in education.
Welcome Thank you for your interest in joining Worthing High School. As Headteacher, I am proud to
lead a vibrant, inclusive and ambitious community where every student is supported to achieve
their very best.
At Worthing High School, we believe in high standards, mutual respect and a relentless focus
on both academic excellence and personal development. Our dedicated staff team works
collaboratively to provide a rich curriculum, a wide range of opportunities beyond the
classroom and a culture where wellbeing is valued for both students and colleagues alike.
We are a school rooted in strong values: Community, Resilience, Integrity, Respect and
Excellence, and these principles guide everything we do, they shape our classrooms, our
staffroom and the way we work with one another every day. Our motto, Always Pursue
Excellence, reflects our belief that excellence looks different for every individual. Just as we
support each student to find and pursue their own path, we want every member of staff to feel
able to grow, thrive and make their mark here too.
We are committed to developing both our students and our staff, offering professional growth,
trust and the chance to make a lasting impact.
I hope this pack gives you a clear sense of our vision and ethos. We look forward to welcoming
talented, motivated professionals who share our commitment to making Worthing High School
the very best it can be for every student.
Warm regards
Alex Simpson
Acting Headteacher
Worthing High School
Job description
Job title Learning Support Assistant - Fixed Term
Salary Grade 4 points 5 - 6 - £25,835 - £25,989 (Actual salary
at 29.2 hours per week £17,394 - £17,670 pro rata)
Location Worthing High School
Contract Monday to Friday 08:30 - 15:10 (29.2 hours per
week) with an unpaid morning and lunch break - Term
time only plus INSET Days
Accountability Reports to the Head of Inclusion
Role description
Could you provide support and guidance for our students on the Inclusion Support Register?
We are seeking a confident, well organised and self-motivated individual with good
interpersonal skills. The successful applicant will be a valued member of the Inclusion Team,
working with students in mainstream classes, alongside teaching colleagues.
The focus of the support is for both individual students and groups.
The postholder may also be involved in taking the lead in some small group provision.
Qualifications and Experience
Educated to GCSE grade A* to C or equivalent, including English and Maths
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
An ability to maintain high professional standards and the ability to follow quality
assurance systems
An ability to relate well to all students ensuring that their needs are met
An ability to put the needs of the student first
An ability to develop effective and supportive relationships with colleagues
An ability to be clear, concise and fluent in both written and oral communication
Proven ability to remain calm and self-controlled under pressure, reacting well to
change and remaining positive setbacks
An ability to understand and demonstrate commitment to the WHS Equality
Policy and to ensure all activities are consistent with it
Prepared to undertake training/development as required
Show commitment to continuous personal learning and development which
supports the delivery of outstanding service
Worthing High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment
For an initial discussion or for further information, please contact Elena Elsam,
Director of People on eelsam@sdetrust.net
mailto:eelsam@sdetrust.net
Monitor the progress of identified students, keep written records as required by
the Inclusion Team and provide the teacher with feedback on students’ progress
in relation to provision
Contribute to programmes of support for identified students and deliver specific
interventions as directed by the Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion
Under the guidance of the class teacher, to work with individuals and groups of
SEN students in class to help them to achieve to the best of their ability
Ensuring the teacher is informed about individual needs and learning strategies
Under the direction of the class teacher, implement strategies for teaching and
learning for individuals and groups of students, taking into account their specific
needs
Be familiar with lessons plans, individual education plans and learning objectives
Provide support for students by encouraging and modelling positive behaviour
Helping students assess their own work and that of their peers
Jointly modelling speaking and listening pair tasks
Rehearsing answers to “think” or “explain” questions for plenary or feedback
sessions
Encouraging participation using questions and prompts
Scribing
Ensuring effective use of ICT and other equipment
Reading texts and ensuring access to information
Note-taking
Providing an opportunity for the student to verbalise and discuss new learning
Reinforcing new vocabulary and key words
Reinforcing new language structures
Providing appropriate scaffolds for organising and producing written work
Differentiating tasks and resources
Checking understanding through a range of questioning and
rephrasing/modifying tasks and instructions so they are clearly understood
Encouraging independent learning strategies
Reminding students of personal programme and lesson targets
Keeping students on task
Providing low level behaviour management; assisting in maintaining safety in
the classrooms
Ensuring that records are kept, as required, and that the keyworker is regularly
informed about student progress
Key Responsibilities
Ensure the physical welfare of students and assist students with their physical
needs as appropriate and agreed, e.g., assisting with equipment
To support and deliver subject specific training to other support staff
To attend department meetings, as required
Within your contracted hours, and as identified in Performance Management
Processes, undertake specific training such as may be required to enable you
to provide effective support, this may include accredited training, training in a particular area of SEN, or in particular aspects of learning needs.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties from time to time as may be directed
by the Headteacher
Please note that the Learning Support Assistant will not be required to remain
with a class when there is no teacher supervision.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Proactive and helpful attitude towards staff, students and parents
Attention to detail and accuracy
Self-motivated
Reliable, punctual, and committed to high standards of work.
Values and Professional Conduct
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Alignment with the school’s ethos and values.
Willingness to engage in training and continuous development.
Commitment to providing excellent service to pupils, families, and other staff.
Working in a lead DfE behaviour hub school
Continuous Professional Development and funding to complete HLTA course
Support and career guidance should you want to start Initial Teacher Training
with possible placement for specialist subjects
Potential for internal opportunities
Benefits A friendly and supportive environment.
The opportunity to work with well-motivated students and supportive parents and
staff.
A location on the coast very close to main line railway services and road networks.
Free well-being and medical support cover.
The opportunity to be part of the South Downs Education Trust MAT.
Free use of our fitness suite.
How to apply
If you feel you have the necessary skills for this position and would like further
information, an application form and job description can be downloaded from the links
provided on the school website at https://www.worthinghigh.net/join-us/careers
Completed application forms should be sent to Mr Alex Simpson, Headteacher at
Worthing High School at vacancies@sdetrust.net by Friday 4 September 2026 at 9
am.
.
Interview dates will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
NOTE FOR RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: We prefer to hire people directly but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We will be in touch if we need you.
Please note, because of the nature of this job, if you are successful in your application, you will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service with barred list check. This will be done by means of applying for a DBS certificate through the Disclosure and Barring Service. Disclosures include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions, spent or unspent. Clearance will be obtained before employment commences. We will also complete media searches as part of due diligence and safeguarding checks in line with KCSIE guidance.
• South Downs Education Trust (SDET) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• Worthing High School & Clapham and Patching C of E Primary school are part of SDET, which is an academy trust and a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with company number 8276210. The Registered Office is at: South Farm Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 7AR
• We recognise continuous service from academy/non-academy schools
What We Offer