Job Description

Prospero Teaching is seeking calm, patient, and resilient Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join a specialist SEMH secondary school based in Blandford Forum. The school supports young people aged 11-16 with a wide range of complex needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, communication and interaction differences, autism, and associated behavioural challenges.

This nurturing, highly individualised environment is looking for LSAs who can build strong, trusting relationships and provide consistent, trauma-informed support that helps pupils feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

The school welcomes applications from candidates seeking full-time roles as well as flexible supply work, including day-to-day, short-term, and long-term opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing tailored, relational support to pupils with SEMH needs, autism, communication differences, or complex learning profiles
• Supporting young people who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or difficulties with transitions, routines, and social interaction
• Encouraging engagement through creative, practical, therapeutic, and differentiated learning activities
• Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour throughout the school day
• Helping pupils develop communication skills, emotional regulation strategies, social understanding, and independence
• Using calm, consistent, and relational approaches to reduce barriers to learning
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, and therapeutic staff to deliver holistic, child-centred support

Contract Details

• Location: Blandford Forum
• Position: Learning Support Assistant (LSA) - SEMH
• Start Date: ASAP
• Contract Type: Full-time with temp-to-perm pathways; flexible supply options also available
• Working Hours: 08:30 - 15:30
• Pay Rate: From £14 per hour

Requirements

To be considered, you must:

• Have the Right to Work in the UK
• Hold an enhanced child-barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
• Provide professional references covering the last 24 months
• Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, health & social care, or have relevant SEN/SEMH experience

What We Offer

• Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, and de-escalation
• Access to our specialist in-house Training & Development Team
• Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
• A warm, supportive school environment with strong staff culture and clear progression opportunities

Refer a Friend

Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEMH setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation through our Refer a Friend scheme (T&Cs apply).

If this is a role of interest, please reach out today with an up to date copy of your CV.