Learning Support Assistant - Cumberland Infant School

Learning Support Assistant 

Cumberland Infant School and Little Cumberland Pre-School

Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Role:            Learning Support Assistant 

Band:           3 SCP 4

Salary:         £ 26,033

Contract:     Fixed Term 

Hours:          Full time - Monday to Friday 8.40-3.20 including 30 minutes lunch duty

Start date:    02.11.2026

Closing date: 25.09.26 at 12 noon

Interviews:   01.10.26

To apply please email download a complete an Application Form, (CV’s will not be accepted) and return to [email protected]

We are seeking an experienced Learning Support Assistant who prides themselves on the strong relationships they build and is motivated and committed to raising standards to join our inclusive, nurturing and happy community where all children, staff and parents are valued.

Leaders and governors share a clear vision to continue to improve the school. Staff enjoy working at the school. They feel well supported by leaders and governors to do their best for all pupils. As one member of staff stated: ‘I really enjoy being part of the Cumberland team. Everything we do is centred around our little community all working together to be the best that we can be.’  Ofsted, December 2022

     The successful candidate will:

• Be highly motivated, well organised and have a willingness to learn 
• Have a sense of humour.
• A belief in our new Ethos CIS - Care, Inspire and Succeed and our Learning Values.
• Build strong relationships with the whole Cumberland community.
• Believe in the development of the whole child.
• Have several years' experience either as a general LSA or a 1 to 1 LSA.
• Provide a safe, caring and inclusive environment where children can flourish.

We can offer:

• A school community with strong relationships and an open-door policy.
• A unique, inclusive, and happy school always striving to achieve their very best in everything they do!
• Children who are keen and excited to learn with committed and supportive parents.
• Continuous Professional Development to upskill and reach your potential.
• Staff insurance to support your well-being.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates.

Visits to the school are strongly encouraged and welcomed; please ring the school office (023 9273 3161) or e-mail [email protected] to arrange an appointment

Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Job Description

Job Purpose:

To enable pupils’ access to learning by supervising and assisting pupils (one to one and in small groups) across a wide range of activities and supported learning activities.

To promote the development of the physical and mental well-being of pupils as directed by a teacher.

Contribute to the effective organisation of the school with administrative and clerical support.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

To actively promote the School's Equal Opportunities Policy and observe the standard of conduct which prevents discrimination taking place 

To maintain awareness of and commitment to the School's Equal Opportunity Policies in relation to both employment and service delivery 

To fully comply with the Health and safety at Work Act 1974 etc, the School's Health and Safety Policy and all locally agreed safe methods of work 

At the discretion of the Headteacher, such other activities as may from time to time be agreed consistent with the nature of the job described above 

To work with colleagues to achieve service plan objectives and targets 

To participate in Employee Development schemes and Performance Management and contribute to the identification of own team development needs

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES 

Curriculum Support

• To assist with the planning of learning activities by identifying and preparing resources required to support lesson plans, learning outcomes. 
• The preparation of materials/equipment and preparing and cleaning up activities with the pupils.
• Maintaining classroom resources and designated areas.
• Assisting with a range of activities to support learning outcomes using the teachers teaching and learning methods.
• Providing unobtrusive guidance and support to enable pupils to find answers to questions and tasks set, using knowledge of each pupil’s differing levels of development and ability to ensure progression and continuity.
• Supervise individual or small groups of pupils undertaking teacher –led activities by co-ordinating and explaining basic instructions for the activity, adjusting activities within the scope of the lesson plan and learning outcomes in response to pupils’ learning.
• Assisting pupil achievement by monitoring learning against outcomes, informing the teacher of progress/problems. 
• Assist pupils to develop their independence through undertaking tasks.
• Support the use of IT as a tool to enable learning.
• Support the development of English and Maths skills of pupils from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Administer and mark routine tests with clearly defined predetermined answers.
• Assist with special activities in the school within school hours e.g. sports days, plays and open days.
• Ensure that pupils work and play together positively and cooperatively, with good behaviour.
• Helping children change for practical activities
• Arrange classroom to create a positive learning environment including arranging classroom displays.

General School Support 

• Be involved in extracurricular activities, (e.g. clubs, activities, trips, open days, presentation evenings). 
• Provide clerical and administrative support, e.g. photocopying, typing, filing, collation of pupil reports. 
• Report student and school issues in line with the School's policies for health and safety, child protection, behaviour management etc. 
• Attend meetings and training sessions as reLearning Support Assistant (LSA)

Job Specification 

Job Requirements Essential Desirable Qualifications and training

4 + or grade C or above in English or maths

Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or an equivalent qualification. 

Willingness to participate in training and development.

Basic safeguarding training 

Completion of a first Aid course within the last three years. 

Experience and knowledge 

Considerable, proven experience of working with children 

Working as part of a team. 

To assess and report upon the progress and attainment of pupils. 

Understanding of safeguarding and health and safety procedures to ensure the safety and welfare of all children and staff. 

Knowledge and understanding of KCSIE 2026.

Understanding of the  principles of child development and learning processes and in particular barriers/misconceptions to learning

Practical  key skills 

Excellent communication skills with colleagues, parents, carers and children.

Good organisational, record keeping and planning skills.

Ability to work independently using own initiative. 

A strong regard for pupil safety and well-being. 

Ability to set, demonstrate and promote good practice in line with the school's vision, ethos and learning values, both indoors and outdoors.

Ability to use technology effectively to support and develop learning.

Ability to ensure the learning environment is accessible for all parents and children. 

Interpersonal/Personal Skills

Enthusiasm for learning and working with children.

The ability to motivate and inspire all.

Able to build strong relationships.

Dedication and drive to constantly improve.

Able to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Reflective approach and commitment to personal development.

A sense of humour.

Caring, friendly, approachable, open, inclusive, flexible and adaptable.

A team player who respects and values all.

Have high standards for punctuality and attendance

Be able to provide high support and high challenge for pupils

Willingness to adapt to changing working hours if required such as summer Fete.