Learning Support Assistant

Job Description

Purpose of the Role

The Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at Smart Vision School is responsible for supporting students with diverse learning needs in the classroom, helping them to access the curriculum, develop skills, and reach their potential. The LSA works closely with teachers and inclusion staff to provide personalised support, ensure student wellbeing, and promote an inclusive, positive learning environment.

This role aligns with UK Teachers’ Standards, KHDA Education Inspection Framework, and UAE MoE requirements, ensuring support is delivered with professionalism, compassion, and effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Teaching and Learning

• Support classroom teachers in delivering lessons and activities.

• Provide individualised or small-group support for students with diverse learning needs, including Students of Determination and ELL learners.

• Use effective strategies, resources, and technologies to help students engage with the curriculum.

• Encourage students to become confident, independent learners.

• Assist in preparing resources and adapting materials to meet individual learning needs.

Assessment, Recording, and Reporting

• Monitor and record student progress, reporting observations to the teacher.

• Support students in achieving targets and developing skills.

• Contribute to IEPs, learning plans, and progress reports where appropriate.

Pastoral and Behaviour Responsibilities

• Promote positive behaviour, respect, and inclusion in line with school policies.

• Support students’ wellbeing and social development through encouragement and guidance.

• Help safeguard students by identifying concerns and reporting to the class teacher or inclusion lead.

Professional and Collaborative Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with teachers, inclusion staff, and other LSAs.

• Attend training sessions to develop skills and knowledge in SEND, inclusion, and safeguarding.

• Contribute to after-school activities or school events if required.

• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity in all interactions.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

Essential:

• Experience supporting children in an educational setting.

• Knowledge of inclusive practices, differentiation, and classroom management.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Patience, empathy, and understanding of children’s needs.

• Awareness of safeguarding, child protection, and wellbeing requirements.

Desirable:

• Experience in international schools or UAE education.

• Training in SEND, ELL support, or inclusion strategies.

Competencies and Attributes

• Empathetic, approachable, and patient.

• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.

• Flexible, proactive, and solution-focused.

• Commitment to inclusion, student wellbeing, and learning success.

• Professional, confidential, and trustworthy.

Alignment to Standards

UK Teachers’ Standards (support role alignment):

• Promote positive outcomes for students.

• Support teachers in planning and delivering lessons effectively.

• Adapt support to meet the needs of all learners.

• Contribute to the safeguarding and wellbeing of students.

KHDA SEF & Education Inspection Framework:

• Student Achievement and Progress

• Teaching for Effective Learning

• Personal Development, Behaviour, and Wellbeing

• Provision for Students of Determination

• Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

School Improvement Plan (SIP) Alignment:

• Support inclusive learning and curriculum access across the school.

• Contribute to whole-school targets for achievement, wellbeing, and inclusion.

UAE Ministry of Education Alignment:

• Support students according to MoE inclusive learning guidelines.

• Promote UAE values, heritage, and culture in classroom support.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.