Learning Support Assistant – Specialist SEN School

Location: Barnet, North London
Pay: £108.68 – £115 per day
Contract Type: Full-time | Long-term to Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 (or ASAP)
Commutable from: Enfield, Finchley, Edgware, Southgate, Potters Bar, Borehamwood, Hendon, Mill Hill, Cockfosters, Barnet and surrounding North London areas.

Long Term Futures is recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEN school in Barnet for a dedicated and resilient Learning Support Assistant to join their team this September. This rewarding opportunity involves supporting secondary-aged boys with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them to engage positively with education and develop both academically and personally.

The school prides itself on building strong, meaningful relationships with pupils, and they’re looking for someone who understands the importance of consistency, patience and empathy. Candidates with previous SEMH experience, youth work backgrounds, or lived experience that enables them to relate positively to young people are particularly encouraged to apply.

Many of the pupils have interests including chess, Minecraft and rock music, so a genuine interest in one or more of these areas would be a great advantage when building rapport and establishing positive relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide consistent one-to-one and small group support for secondary-aged boys with SEMH needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that promote engagement, resilience and confidence.
• Support pupils to regulate emotions and manage behaviour using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Encourage participation in lessons and help remove barriers to learning.
• Work alongside teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to deliver personalised support.
• Implement behaviour support plans and EHCP targets where appropriate.
• Promote positive social interaction, emotional wellbeing and independence.
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs within the classroom.
• Record pupil progress and communicate effectively with the wider school team.
• Act as a positive role model both inside and outside of the classroom.

Essential Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience as a Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Worker, Support Worker or in a similar role.
• Experience supporting young people with SEMH, behavioural needs or additional needs is highly desirable.
• Applicants with relevant lived experience and the ability to build strong relationships with young people are encouraged to apply.
• A calm, resilient and patient approach to behaviour management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people to achieve their potential.
• An interest in activities such as chess, Minecraft or rock music would be beneficial when building rapport with pupils.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

What Long Term Futures Offers

• Competitive weekly pay.
• A dedicated consultant offering ongoing guidance and support.
• Long-term opportunities with the potential for permanent employment.
• Access to CPD, safeguarding and behaviour management training.
• A smooth and efficient registration process.
• Opportunities across a broad network of London schools.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re passionate about making a genuine difference to the lives of young people with SEMH needs and want to join a supportive specialist school where relationships are at the heart of success, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit your CV today. Successful applicants will be contacted for an initial conversation before progressing through safeguarding and compliance checks, followed by a school trial and interview.

By applying for this vacancy, you consent to Long Term Futures storing your personal data for recruitment purposes. Your information will only be shared where necessary to facilitate employment opportunities and in accordance with data protection legislation.

Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and safer recruitment procedures.