Learning Support Assistant (LSA) (Games Specialism)

ACM is a specialist music education provider with approximately 2,200 students on a range of FE and HE programmes in Music Performance, Creative Artist, Production, Technical Services and Business. Our creative and dynamic environment blends academic excellence and professionalism alongside leading-edge industry thinking and business innovation.

ACM’s Vision:

ACM will incubate potential and talent, supporting the personalised development needs of our students to facilitate a structured path from education to employment.

We provide a safe and supported space where creative talent and imagination can flourish in a caring environment. Barriers to learning are identified through a holistic and person-centred approach to unlock the potential of the individual, enabling personal growth through professional and academic development. Our core aim is for our students to enjoy lifelong sustainable careers underpinned by applied learning and a specialist, cutting-edge curriculum.

Therefore, our vision is to not only be the leader in applied, industry-connected, creative arts education but to also be the leader in care and support for mental health and other traditional barriers to learning, thereby driving up the standards expected within higher and further education.

ACM’s Mission:

To provide an immersive student experience, with a curriculum which is connected to the industry in real-time, based on a learning by doing ethos. Our core aim is to build confidence and self-awareness, providing students with the skills necessary to recognise and take opportunities.

Ultimately our mission is to enable students to fulfil their potential and enjoy a sustainable career within the creative arts industry.

ROLE PURPOSE:

To provide and deliver 1-1 support programmes for promoting students learning and emotional literacy both in class and out of class under the direction of the work of the Education Guidance Manager

To provide safe, stimulating and therapeutic environment for students, promoting their physical, social, emotional and intellectual development enabling them to achieve their potential.

This role is being recruited on a variable hours contract and will be paid at pre-rata rate of £24,960 per annum dependant on hours worked.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To deliver 1-2-1 support in class and out of class to develop social and friendships skills.
• To liaise with teachers and other staff regarding the needs and progress of students receiving support
• To meet with the Education Guidance officer to discuss progress and areas for development with regards to the needs of the student you are supporting.
• To work in partnership with the Education Guidance Manager to ensure that regular, high level communication between the college and home is achieved so that parents are involved with the students learning and attitudes to learning are maximised.
• Respond to students causes for concern and other relevant information
• Maintain and prepare student records and reports as required to a high standard
• Ensure that Individual Education Health Care Plans are used to set specific targets for the students which are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.
• To attend and participate in annual review meetings and all other required meetings relevant to the student that you are supporting.
• To work as part of a multidisciplinary team with all staff in school and external agencies who contribute to the students care and educational needs.
• To perform all duties in compliance with relevant health and safety regulations and codes of practice with due regards for health, safety and welfare of all premises users and visitors including contractors.
• To promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adult at all times and ensure safeguarding polices and procedures are followed.
• To attend relevant training and continuous professional development as required.
• To undertake any duties which reasonably fall within the purview of the post, which may be allocated by the Education Guidance Manager or the Head Of Student Services.
• To ensure that individual student needs are identified and responded to.
• To establish and maintain positive, firm, professional and consistent boundaries that support the student to reach their full potential.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Maths and English Grade C or equivalent
• Experience in working with and supporting children or young people in an educational environment
• Ability to collaborate with others and work within a team
• Clear, conscience written and oral communications skills adaptable to a wide range of audiences.
• Competence with ICT
• Commitment to meeting the needs of children and young people
• Ability to direct and communicate routine
• Ability to manage own time and tasks
• A positive and flexible attitude
• A good sense of humour
• Patience and empathy for others
• Reliability, creativity and integrity with problem solving and willingness to try new approaches.
• Ability to promote the positive image of ACM
• Ability to work sensitively with a wide range of people
• Ability to reflect on own practices and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• High levels of emotional literacy and resilience
• In depth knowledge of Games Programmes, Softwares and Technologies including the background behind these

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent qualification
• Level 3 Certificate in Teaching and Learning
• Games qualification
• Experience working in the Games sector
• Qualifications in – First Aid, Child Protection, Safeguarding, Behaviour Management, Autism, Special Educational Needs
• Experience in working with parent and carers, outside agencies to support children and young people.
• Knowledge of young peoples therapeutic, development, health and educational needs.
• Experience of working with students with specific learning difficulties such as Autism/ ADHD/.
• Experience of music in education – knowledge of music, music theory and musical software

All ACM staff work to the same value’s which are:

Inclusivity

To empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, to maintain accessibility, and provide an inclusive organisational culture.

Supportive environments

To provide environments that support personal and professional development through a holistic approach and bring the benefits of the creative arts to the wider community.

Agility and innovation

To provide an inspiring organisational culture that embraces innovation through openness, flexibility, creativity and self-evaluation.

Connectivity

To recognise the benefits of working closely with industry and others, to embrace new technologies, and to provide meaningful opportunities, in order to enhance learning.

Professional and academically strong standards

To provide state of the art professional environments, to inspire determination and enthusiasm, and ensure high professional and academic standards

This job purpose reflects the core activities of the post. As the Department and the post-holder develop, there will inevitably be some changes to the duties for which the post is responsible, and possibly to the emphasis of the post itself. ACM expects that the post-holder will recognise this and will adopt a flexible approach to work.  This could include undertaking relevant training where necessary.  Should significant changes to the job purpose become necessary, the post-holder will be consulted and the changes reflected in a revised job purpose.