Specialist 1:1 Learning Support Assistant

30 hours per week, 45.5 weeks per year (term time plus 2 training days)

Specialist 1:1 Learning Support Assistant required from September 2026

Fixed-Term contract linked to pupil funding and continuing need

St Blasius Church of England Primary Academy is seeking to appoint a caring, patient and dedicated 1:1 Learning Support Assistant to support a pupil with a visual impairment. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a significant difference to a child's educational experience, helping them to access learning, develop independence and thrive within our inclusive school community.

As a member of our committed team, you will work closely with class teachers, parents, carers and specialist professionals to ensure the pupil receives the support they need to achieve their full potential.

The Role:

The successful candidate will:

• Provide individual support for a pupil with a visual impairment throughout the school day.
• Adapt learning materials and resources to ensure they are accessible.
• Support the pupil's participation in classroom activities and wider school life.
• Encourage independence, confidence and self-esteem.
• Assist with the use of specialist equipment and resources where required.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and external agencies to implement support strategies.
• Monitor and record progress, contributing to review meetings and support plans.
• Support the pupil's social and emotional development.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience of working with children, preferably within a primary school setting.
• Demonstrates patience, empathy and excellent communication skills.
• Has a commitment to inclusive education and supporting children with additional needs.
• Is willing to undertake specialist training relating to visual impairment.
• Can work effectively as part of a team whilst using their own initiative.
• Has high expectations for children's achievement, wellbeing and independence.
• Is flexible, reliable and committed to helping every child achieve their God-given potential.

We Can Offer:

• Enthusiastic, polite and engaging children.
• A welcoming and supportive Christian school community.
• A dedicated and experienced staff team.
• High-quality professional development and specialist training opportunities.
• A commitment to staff wellbeing and professional growth.
• The opportunity to play a key role in supporting a child to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.

Closing Date: Tuesday, 14th July 2026

Interview Date: Friday, 17th July 2026

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. To arrange a visit or request an application pack, please contact the school office on 01983 862444 or email admin@stblasius.academy.

Benefits and Allowances:

We are committed to supporting staff wellbeing, development, and work–life balance. Benefits typically include:

• Access to high-quality CPD, coaching, and career development pathways
• Teacher pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme offering wellbeing, mental health, and financial advice
• Flexible working considerations, where operationally possible
• Opportunities for leadership responsibilities (with additional allowances where applicable)
• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced provisions for maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Supportive, collaborative staff teams across all three schools

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check along with other relevant safeguarding and recruitment checks.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in which every individual is valued and treated with fairness, dignity and respect, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all school staff are employed directly by the Isle of Wight Council, you can ask on application who the employer for this role will be.

To discover more about our careers please visit Jobs and careers - Isle of Wight

Find out more about Our culture and environment & living on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination, and this is supported by the following;

unacceptable behaviour policy

employee code of conduct

We actively promote the diversity of our workforce, and we provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees.

The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via adverts@iow.gov.uk if you would like to receive a copy.

The Isle of Wight Council is an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community. In addition to this, we are also a Disability Confident Employer. Along with a number of other areas of commitments, this means that providing you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council.

The management reporting line for this role is ultimately through the Isle of Wight Council Children’s Services directorate.

This council and its schools recruit according to the council’s Recruitment, Policy and Procedure and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.