Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant (ASD or SEMH)

Birchwood School | Cardiff | Full-Time & Part-Time (15h per week available) | Permanent

Salary: £20,021.63 - £23,049.00 (Term Time) | £26,339.56 - £30,732.00 (Full Year Equivalent)

Would you love to work in a nurturing, therapeutic school where small class sizes mean you can make a real, lasting impact? This is the best school I have been to, the staff listen to me, help and support me with my lessons and we go on great offsite activities. One of our pupils at Birchwood School.

Birchwood School is a specialist provision in Cardiff supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs that require a Trauma Informed approach. Based on your skills, experience, and qualifications, you can choose which specialism is more relevant to you. You are welcome to express a preference for the area you’re most passionate about when applying.

• Support teaching staff with planning, delivery, and assessment of engaging, individualised lessons.
• Provide meaningful learning experiences tailored to the needs of children with ASD or SEMH, in small group or 1:1 setting.
• Foster positive, trusting relationships with pupils, their families, and the wider staff team.
• Support daily routines, providing personal care where needed, and facilitate off‑site enrichment activities.
• Promote emotional regulation, independence, and inclusion through creative and therapeutic approaches.
• Actively contribute to a nurturing, safe, and consistent environment that helps every child succeed.

• Resilient, empathetic, and enthusiastic individuals with a genuine passion for working with children.
• Experience with ASD, SEMH, or SEN welcomed but not essential – training will be provided.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) valued; opportunities to gain accredited qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
• A team‑player mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• When applying, indicate if you are particularly interested in working within our ASD or SEMH provision.
• Part‑time vacancy requires a driving licence for off‑site student activities.
• Position requires an Enhanced DBS Check, including a Barred List Check.

• Employee Assistance, Wellbeing Champions, and Salary Finance Support.
• Blue Light Card discounts at over 15,000 UK retailers and businesses.
• Refer a Friend bonus, up to £1,000.
• Funded Level 2 & 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualifications.
• Health Shield Plan – after probation.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave – after 12 months of continuous service.
• Proud signatory of the JGHR Pledge – paid time off for cancer screening and appointments.
• Free Lunch during shift.
• Free Uniform included.

Ready to start a new chapter? Don’t miss this opportunity to take on a role that’s truly impactful. Join Birchwood School and help us build brighter futures for children with ASD and SEMH needs.