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Become a Learning Support Assistant
Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) play an important role in helping children with additional learning and support needs participate, learn and thrive in school.
At Access Inclusion, we connect suitably qualified and experienced LSAs with families looking for individualised support for their children.
If you are passionate about working with children, understand the importance of inclusion and are ready to take on a professional support role, we would love to hear from you.
Before applying, we recommend that you read all of the information and guidelines below, including how hiring works, who can apply and what you will need to provide.
What is a Learning Support Assistant?
A Learning Support Assistant is a trained professional who provides individualised support to a child who requires additional assistance to access learning and participate successfully in a mainstream classroom.
The level and type of support required varies from child to child.
An LSA’s role is not to do the work for the child, but to help the child develop the skills, independence and confidence needed to participate as successfully as possible.
What Does an LSA Do?
An LSA’s responsibilities depend on the individual child’s needs, age, school environment and support plan. Typical responsibilities may include:
Supporting learning
- Helping the child understand instructions and classroom expectations
- Breaking tasks into manageable steps
- Supporting attention, organisation and task completion
- Helping the child access and participate in classroom activities
- Reinforcing strategies recommended by teachers and specialists
Supporting independence
- Encouraging the child to complete tasks independently
- Gradually reducing unnecessary adult support
- Developing self-advocacy and problem-solving skills
- Supporting organisation and routines
Supporting social and emotional development
- Helping the child navigate social situations
- Supporting emotional regulation
- Teaching and reinforcing appropriate coping strategies
- Helping the child participate in group activities and peer interactions
The LSA–Parent–School Partnership
An LSA provides one-to-one support to an individual child and is hired and paid directly by the child’s parents/guardians. The LSA is therefore not an employee of the school.
However, when working in an inclusive school with an SEN/Learning Support Department, the LSA becomes part of the child’s wider support team. The LSA is line-managed by the SEN Department and reports to the SENCO, Resource Teacher or designated SEN professional, while also working closely with the classroom teacher, parents and in some cases, relevant therapists or support professionals.
The LSA is expected to follow the guidance of the SEN Department and classroom teachers, while maintaining a collaborative relationship with the parents and other professionals involved in the child’s support.
Before beginning the placement, the parent, school and LSA enter into a three-way agreement that sets out the roles, responsibilities and expectations of all three parties. The aim is to ensure that everyone works together consistently and in the best interests of the child.
How LSA Hiring Through Access Inclusion Works
Access Inclusion provides a platform to help families discover suitable LSAs.
1. Apply. Complete the Access Inclusion LSA application and provide information about your education, experience, SEN knowledge and professional background.
2. Application Review. Our team reviews your application and supporting documentation.
3. Shortlisting. Applicants who meet our initial requirements may be shortlisted for an interview.
4. Online Interview. All shortlisted candidates must complete an online interview with Access Inclusion. We assess areas such as communication and professionalism, understanding of SEN, understanding of the LSA role, child-centred approach, problem-solving and situational judgement, and overall suitability.
5. Reference Checks. Professional references are contacted as part of our screening process.
6. Verification & Final Approval. Education, employment history and supporting documents may be reviewed and verified before final approval.
7. Profile Creation. If approved, Access Inclusion creates your profile using the information provided during your application.
8. Profile Publication. Your approved profile may then be included in our Find Your LSA directory for families to explore.
Please note: Being approved and listed on Access Inclusion does not guarantee employment. Access Inclusion does not employ LSAs. It provides a platform for approved LSAs to connect with families seeking support; hiring decisions are made directly by families.
Who Can Apply?
We are looking for individuals who are genuinely interested in supporting children with additional learning needs.
A strong command of English and good communication skills are essential. Relevant professional training and practical experience working with children are highly valued.
Who Should Apply?
You may be a good fit if you:
Important: Employment & Hiring
Access Inclusion is a platform connecting families and LSAs. Access Inclusion is not the employer of the LSA.
Parents/guardians make the final decision about whether to hire an LSA and are responsible for agreeing directly with the LSA on matters including:
- Employment arrangements
- Working hours
- Salary
- Duties
- Leave
- Notice periods
- Other terms of employment
Listing is not guaranteed
Submission of an application does not guarantee listing on Access Inclusion. Being approved and listed does not guarantee employment or placement. Families will conduct their own interviews and any additional checks they consider appropriate before making a hiring decision.
Salary
Approved LSAs will be assigned an Access Inclusion recommended salary range based on their qualifications, relevant experience, SEN expertise and prevailing market rates. This recommended range will be displayed on the LSA’s profile and serves as guidance only. Final salary and employment terms are negotiated and agreed directly between the LSA and the family.
Before You Apply
Please make sure you are ready to provide:
All applicants must complete the Access Inclusion online interview and reference-check process before they can be approved and listed.
Ready to Become an LSA?
If you are passionate about inclusive education and believe you can provide thoughtful, professional and child-centred support, we invite you to apply. Your role could make a meaningful difference in a child’s school experience.
Start Your Application