LSA to support students with complex AAC

Special Learning Support Assistant: Level 3 / 4 dependent upon experience
Responsible to: Assistant Principal

Main Purpose of Job

  1. To work with students with complex communication and/or assistive technology needs and the staff supporting them.
  1. To work as part of the Communication Team of the Academy to work directly with those students who use complex communication systems, high tech communication aids or other forms of assistive technology. This is with guidance from the Advisory teachers and Speech and Language therapists.
  1. To contribute to facilitating student access to the education system through using high tech communication aids, promoting inclusion, assessing and supporting achievement and monitoring student progress against pre-defined objectives.
  1. To be able to support classes to look at the Means, Reasons and Opportunities for communication, to ensure our students make the best possible progress with their communication.
  1. To provide the technical support and problem solving for those students/staff/parents using this range of technology.
  1. To be a key support to the Academy in the consistency of the RIX Wikis and implementation of the multimedia self-advocacy.
  1. To work alongside the Advisory Teachers and support the implementation of assistive technology/ communication aids and recommendations made.

Specifically

  1. Assist SaLT/Specialist teachers in ensuring communication aids are used throughout the day to support not only access to education but their social development and access to the wider community. Ensure they have the Means, Reasons and Opportunities for communication.
  1. Support the Teachers/LSAs in using specific software to enable access to the curriculum. For example Clicker 7, InPrint 3, communication apps and eye gaze.
  1. To be aware of the wider multi-disciplinary team and support specified physiotherapy/OT programmes when appropriate. Contribute to the implementation of targets agreed within a Multi-disciplinary Team.
  1. To be experienced and competent in the use of high tech communication aids and assistive technology and to be able to develop and learn new ICT skills to a high level. To feel confident to problem solve and find solutions to issues.
  1. Assisting with the preparation of learning materials to incorporate the assistive technology. To design and adapt other materials or set up software to assist with the delivery of the curriculum and easily integrating its use. Promoting and encouraging independence.
  1. Assisting the Teacher to supervise and support student’s Individual Education Plans (IEP), both in school and the wider community. To contribute to observations and records on individual’s progress producing written reports where necessary. Play an active role in using Wikis to record video evidence.
  1. To establish productive relationship with students and the staff who work with them in the setting of high expectations and to organise appropriate learning environment and resources.
  1. To pass on information about students’ personal and educational needs to parents, the Class Teacher and other staff as appropriate. To contribute to team meetings and review meetings. To assist in the assessment, recording and reporting of student progress. Reporting to the teacher and giving feedback to students on their progress.
  1. To act as Mentor to other Teaching/Classroom assistants to support the building of confidence and abilities with the technology. Support is seen as a way of passing on skills and knowledge.
  1. To organise and take part in activities and events both in and out of school as required and to accompany and support children on outings from school as necessary.
  1. To support the implementation of multi-media self-advocacy skills and use of RIX Wikis. To assist with the developments of this project and reaching a high level of consistency across the whole Academy.
  1. To undertake training and attend INSET days in accordance to contractual requirements. To contribute to whole school policies. Continually reflect on practice, both individually and with colleagues, and participate in continuing professional development.
  1. To support delivery of training in assistive technology, communication apps and specialist software.
  1. To maintain the health and safety of students and colleagues in the school by assisting in maintaining a clean and tidy environment and reporting any hazards that cannot be dealt with to your line manager.
  1. Promote and comply with the Equal Opportunities Policy in the opposition to and the eradication of all forms of discrimination and ensure that services are accessible to all users.
  1. Contribute to the overall positive ethos, work and aims of the Academy.
  1. Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security and confidentiality, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

This job description is an illustration of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The post holder may be required from time to time to carry out other reasonable requests and duties as required, consistent with the responsibilities of the grade.