Personal Learning Assistant

Our Purpose at The Alice Smith School

According to the words of our school song: "Soon there were two, who were joined by a few. " Alice Smith started a movement with just two people. That single brave act sparked a positive chain reaction. She inspired other families to join her on her journey, creating a nurturing environment for generations of learners and a home away from home for thousands of families.

In that same vein, we keep the Alice Smith spirit alive by building a nurturing community that encourages our students to explore the world with courage, curiosity, and compassion — to build a better world together.

Our purpose is embedded through our three strategic pillars:

Our People

We are a diverse collective of experts and curious minds, working together to push the boundaries of education to lead learning for an ever-changing world.

Our Students

We encourage students to explore different paths with courage and curiosity, in an environment that empowers them to make an impact as their best self.

Our World

We are a supportive, connected community that innovates, explores, and learns together.

The Opportunity (Overview of the Role):

The Cover Personal Learning Assistant (PLA) is engaged as an external provider (not employed by The Alice Smith School) and will provide temporary one-to-one support for an individual student during periods when the student's regular PLA is on leave. The role involves working under the guidance of the class teacher and the Learning Support Lead, implementing agreed support programmes both in and out of the classroom.

The primary focus of the Cover PLA is to ensure continuity of support, maintain student safety, and promote independence and engagement in learning during the absence of the permanent PLA.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Support for Student

● To support student development and promote independence in a safe, secure, challenging environment.

● To support the learning of the individual as identified in the students Pupil Profile or Safety and Support Plan , act as a role model and set high expectations.

● To encourage the student to interact and work cooperatively with others.

● To observe, record and support the development and progress of the student to identify individual needs and difficulties and to feedback their progress and achievement to the class teacher and Learning Support keyworker.

● To promote the inclusion and acceptance of the student

Support for Teacher

● Work closely with the class teacher to modify learning strategies, materials

and tasks as needed.

● Provide feedback to the teacher and the Learning Support keyworker on student progress and any areas requiring further support.

● Observe and monitor student responses during learning activities.

● Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of student progress, support strategies, and any interventions provided, in line with the requirements set by the Learning Support keyworker.

● To provide general clerical support, e.g. make visuals, procedure resources for agreed activities.

Support for the Curriculum

● Support the student's access to classroom learning through the use of visual supports, structured routines, and differentiated resources.

● Implement strategies that help the student engage meaningfully with lessons and activities.

Support for the School

● Uphold the school's values and ethos, fostering respect, empathy, and inclusion.

● Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health, and safety policies at all times.

● Supervise the student on outings or activities when required.

● Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the student and school operations.

● Attend induction or training sessions relevant to the role as advised by the Learning Support Lead.

Duration and Reporting

This is a temporary, cover-based role. The duration and schedule of work will be agreed in advance with the Learning Support Lead depending on the needs of the student.

The Cover PLA will report directly to the Learning Support Lead or assigned Learning Support Keyworker.

Safe Recruitment Practices

The Alice Smith School upholds recruitment protocols that adhere to the highest international safeguarding standards. All external providers are subject to thorough background and reference checks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students.

Selection Criteria

● Prior experience working with children or young people in an educational or care setting.

● Good communication skills, fluent in both oral and written English.

● To adhere to guidance, demonstrate flexibility in adaptation, and take proactive steps in establishing rapport.

● A calm, patient, and empathetic nature.

● Reliability and professionalism in maintaining consistent support for the student.

● Willingness to work from 7.30 am – 2.30 pm when required.

● A qualification in Education, Psychology, or a related field is preferred but not essential.