Personal Learning Assistant (Pla)

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
Position objective
A PLA is an educational assistant working as a part of a teaching team to support the learning needs of a particular child. The PLA works with subject teachers and the learning support team to implement strategies related to the needs of the child and document response to intervention. The PLA also maintains close communication with the families of the children they serve. The role involves providing care for the student while supporting their ongoing academic, social and emotional development. Providing a PLA allows the child to attend an inclusive class while receiving the extra attention needed.
Responsibilities
Student Support
Assist the assigned student in meeting classroom behavior expectations.
Support the student's active participation in class activities and task completion.
Encourage the student to seek help from the teacher when needed.
Help build the student's independence and self-management skills.
Facilitate collaboration with peers, including explaining instructions and prompting participation.
Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in the student's ILP.
Monitor progress and provide feedback to the Learning Support Team.
Collaboration and Communication
Work closely with subject teachers, the Learning Support Coordinator, and parents to align on strategies and accommodations.
Contribute to the review and evaluation of ILP goals and student progress.
Communicate concerns or questions related to the student's well-being or learning with the appropriate parties (e.g., parents, Learning Support Team).
Participate in regular team meetings with the Grade Level team and Learning Support staff.
Compliance and Record-Keeping
Comply with all school rules, policies, and procedures.
Complete all required annual trainings for school staff, including signing the annual declaration.
Participate in regular data collection and documentation related to the student's ILP.
Report safeguarding concerns or student disclosures through CPOMS and to the designated school contacts (SEN, DSL, or Principal).
In the case of unplanned absence, inform the parent and the school promptly.
Interaction Guidelines
As a trusted adult, the PLA may engage with other students as needed, always maintaining professional boundaries.
May respond to general classroom procedural questions but should refer academic content queries to the teacher.
Use discretion when raising concerns with classroom teachers and seek support from the SEN team when necessary.
Engage with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for any low-level concerns or self-reporting matters.
The job holder's responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant Cognita Safeguarding; Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the role, the job holder identifies any instance that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm either at school or at home, s/he must report any concerns to the School's Child Protection Officer/Designated Safeguarding Lead or to the Head or indeed to the Regional CEO so that a referral can be made accordingly to the relevant third party services.