Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Support Officer

You will help pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) feel supported, included and ready to learn in our large secondary school. Working closely with the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo), you will bring care and organisation to the day-to-day running of ALN support and help pupils, families and staff work together.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Responsible to: Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo)
Disclosure Level: Enhanced

What you will do

• Maintain accurate ALN records, assessment information and pupil profiles using school IT systems. Help update Individual Development Plans (IDPs) with information approved by the ALNCo.
• Arrange meetings, invite pupils, parents, carers and professionals, gather reports and prepare paperwork. Take clear notes, track review dates and follow up agreed actions.
• Build trusting relationships and help pupils share their views, strengths and aspirations. Offer individual or small-group support as directed, encouraging confidence and independence.
• Arrange suitable times, spaces and materials. Following training and authorisation, administer and score agreed screening tools, passing results to the ALNCo or relevant specialist for interpretation.
• Coordinate resources and timetables for Additional Learning Provision (ALP) set out in IDPs. Check that agreed arrangements are in place and tell the ALNCo promptly about any gaps or concerns.
• Communicate warmly and clearly with pupils, parents, carers, teachers, support staff, the local authority and external agencies. Help staff access current profiles and agreed support strategies securely.
• Gather feedback on how support is working, help with pupils' transitions and share ideas for improving ALN provision. Take part in relevant training and team meetings.

Working with care and professionalism

• Responsible for reporting any concern or suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused. Report safeguarding concerns promptly to the designated safeguarding lead.
• Work within agreed responsibilities and seek advice when needed. Decisions about ALN, IDPs and provision remain with authorised staff or bodies.
• Responsible for self-development.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety rules in the workplace in accordance with the responsibilities noted in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the school's Health and Safety Policy.
• Operate within the school's policies in relation to equal opportunities and equality.
• Responsibility for managing information in accordance with the School's information management standards and guidelines.
• Ensure that personal information is treated in accordance with Data Protection legislation.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duty which corresponds with the salary level and responsibility level of the job.

The list of responsibilities above is not exhaustive, and staff may be asked to undertake all reasonable additional duties as directed by SLT or their line manager. The job description and allocation of particular responsibilities may be amended by agreement from time to time.

Person specification

We are looking for a kind, dependable and organised colleague who enjoys helping young people. We welcome relevant skills gained through employment, volunteering, education or other transferable experience.

Essential

• Understanding and empathy. An understanding of ALN and the barriers pupils can face, alongside patience, respect and a commitment to inclusion.
• Positive relationships. The ability to build trust with pupils, listen to their views and encourage their confidence and independence.
• Clear communication. Good listening, speaking and writing skills, with a sensitive, approachable manner when working with families, colleagues and professionals.
• Literacy and numeracy. Sound basic skills to write clear messages, take accurate notes and record pupil information and assessment scores.
• IT confidence. The ability to use email, word processing, spreadsheets and calendars, enter data accurately and learn school information systems.
• Good organisation. The ability to arrange meetings, keep records up to date, manage competing tasks and meet deadlines in a busy school.
• Teamwork and judgement. A collaborative approach, the ability to use initiative within agreed responsibilities and confidence to ask for guidance or raise concerns.
• Care and professionalism. An understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality, a calm and reliable approach and willingness to learn and undertake relevant training.

Desirable

• Experience of supporting young people with ALN, particularly in a secondary school.
• Experience of school administration, pupil records or school management information systems.
• Familiarity with IDPs, person-centred reviews and the Welsh ALN system.
• Experience of literacy or numeracy screening, learning interventions or tracking pupil progress.
• Experience of working with parents, carers, local authority teams or external agencies.
• Relevant qualifications or training in learning support, administration, literacy, numeracy or safeguarding.
• Have good verbal and written communication skills when dealing with colleagues, pupils, parents, or external agencies in Welsh and English.

Appointment

A Panel will consider your application, interview and, where appropriate, a short practical task. Appointment is subject to the school's normal safer recruitment checks, including appropriate DBS checks and any registration required for the post.