Job Description

Learning Support Assistant

SEND Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant

Start Date: September 2026

The Birtenshaw Group are recruiting Learning Support Assistants to support the teacher in creating a learning environment that stimulates and encourages the best possible progress and the highest possible attainment for all pupils.

Birtenshaw School Merseyside is an independent special school offering education for children aged 3-19 who have an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan), for pupils with significant physical impairment, complex health needs, learning disability and / or Autistic Spectrum Conditions.

Our dynamic and passionate staff are committed to the Birtenshaw vision of ‘Transforming Lives’. We ensure that pupils receive the same learning and social opportunities as other pupils; which we achieve by providing facilities which are second to none and a creative curriculum tailored to meet their needs

The work is challenging but, as no two days are ever the same, it is rewarding and enjoyable.

Please Note: To be considered for this role you must be able to support pupils in all therapy and curriculum activities including but not limited to swimming pool and sports activities.

Hours of work:

Part Time

19.25 hours per week Term Time Only (2/3 days per week rotating), (x 38 weeks) plus the equivalent of 2 training weeks (10 days) of 37 hours per week, totaling 919 hours paid for inclusive of annual leave.

8.30am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.30am-5pm Wednesday

Term Time

38.5 hours per week (x 38 weeks) plus 2 training weeks of 37 hours, totaling 1753 hours paid for inclusive of annual leave.

8.30am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.30am-5pm Wednesday

Full Time

Please be aware that this is not a term time only position. You will be paid for 37 hours per week during each 12 month period inclusive of annual leave.

The core hours of work during term time (38 weeks) are 38.5 per week (8.30 am until 4.00 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 8.30 am until 5.00 pm on a Wednesday) plus 2 training weeks at 37 hours.

Additional hours must be worked during school term time or by assisting with transport runs before and/or after school hours.

Salary: £25,816 - £26,682 per annum, pro rata (£13.38 - £13.83 per hour) plus the opportunity to earn an additional £1650 per annum for additional responsibilities.

Why work for Birtenshaw?

The Birtenshaw staff team is highly committed and dedicated to transforming the lives of disabled children. You will be working with colleagues who are resilient, energetic, caring and who enjoy their roles.

There are clear career opportunities for advancement within a growing organisation which puts the service users at the heart of all we do.

In addition you can expect:

* Free Enhanced DBS check

* Competitive pay scale

* Pay increase on completion of relevant qualification or if already have a relevant qualification upon completion of probationary period

* Additional payments for additional responsibilities up to £2625 per annum

* 30 days holiday including public holidays

* Staff Recognition Schemes – employee of the month, refer a friend (£300), long service plus nominations for national awards

* Staff Council – a forum in which staff from all sections of the organisation can suggest and initiate change

* Salary Protection Scheme in the event of longer-term absence from work due to illness or injury (contracted staff)

* Employee Assistance Programme – access to a 24-hour advice line offering support on a range of life and work, money and family issues and 24 hour medical support including online GP appointments, physiotherapy and mental health support and counselling (contracted staff)

* Discount schemes for local and national shops and services

With a clear career path and excellent training and support on offer, you would have the opportunity to develop an exciting and rewarding career within a rapidly developing charitable organisation, whilst making a positive impact upon the lives of the children Birtenshaw supports.

Closing Date: 03/07/2026 at 9am

Birtenshaw Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all young people and expect all employees to share and uphold this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, this means that any potential employee is still required to disclose what would normally be considered a “spent” conviction. Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed via DBS website.

All offers of employment are made subject to safeguarding / pre-employment checks including satisfactory references, pre-employment medical, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable.

Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship at this time.

Contract type

Long term contract

Hours

Full or Part time

Salary

£25,816 - £26,682 per annum, pro rata

REF-(Apply online only)