Learning Support Assistant – Preparatory School

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Westminster is an Early Learning to Year 12, coeducational day and boarding, Uniting Church school with a
proud history and an exciting future. We commit to helping all students and staff achieve more than they
thought possible through an adventurous education, which takes place anytime our students are challenged
in their learning and when staff explore new opportunities to improve their profession. Since opening in 1961,
Westminster’s vibrant sense of community has shaped our welcoming, down-to-earth character, enriched by
School values of being brave, humble, kind, authentic, resilient and curious.

Position name Learning Support Assistant - classroom based (LSA)

Area of School
The position is based in the Preparatory School. To respond to the evolving
needs of the School individual LSAs may periodically be relocated to a
different sub-school or faculty.

Employment Status Part time (School term time only)

Employment Conditions
Westminster School Inc. Teaching Staff and School Assistants Enterprise
Agreement 2024

Key Relationships

Learning Support Assistants in the Preparatory School report to the
Preparatory School Learning Support Coordinator. LSAs take day-to-day
direction from the appropriate classroom teacher/s for work associated
with their teaching programs, and work closely with STRETCH teachers and
other learning support staff. LSAs are ultimately responsible to the
Principal via the Director of Business Operations.

Position Objective:
LSAs provide in-class assistance for individuals and small groups of students with specific special learning
needs. They support classroom teachers to establish an effective learning environment and to tailor learning
experiences and materials to support all students. LSAs exercise initiative, discretion and judgement in
achieving clearly defined learning outcomes in education programs. They are required to demonstrate
expertise and accept personal responsibility for student learning.

Key Responsibilities:
1. In-classroom Learning Support

• Support the establishment of a stimulating, focused and nurturing learning environment for all

students.

• Develop an understanding of the specific learning needs of the students that require additional

support.

• Establish a supportive relationship with students and, where appropriate, their parents.

• Assist class teachers with support for both one on one and small groups of students.

• Aid students to learn effectively in group situations and individually across a wide range of activities

by:

• clarifying and explaining instructions
• ensuring the students are able to use equipment and materials provided
• motivating and encouraging the student, as required
• ensuring students concentrate and stay on task to enable completion of work

• Support with guided reading groups.

• Support the development of fine motor skills/phonics where required.

• Assisting with recording and testing of student progress.

• Support students use a range of resources and technologies.
  

2. Classroom Teacher Support

• Assist class teachers with a range administrative tasks which include photocopying and the collation of

documents to support special events, excursions and activities that support student learning.

• Maintain a safe and tidy environment in accordance with WHS guidelines.

• Report any student difficulties, progress or parental concerns to the relevant teacher as soon as possible.

• Assisting to monitor student progress and keeping appropriate records.

• Assisting in the preparation of activities and developing teaching and learning materials.

• Creation of displays within the classroom.

3. Broader contribution to Preparatory School

• As a member of a team, help to identify and implement strategies to improve the inclusion of students with

special needs

• Participate in Prep School activities such as Sports Day and excursions as required

• Other duties as required

Key Selection Criteria: Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Certificate III in Education Support (as minimum or equivalent)

• Demonstrated success in providing student support

• Excellent ICT skills in the classroom and for administrative tasks

• Sound administrative skills

• Current certifications in Provide First Aid

• Awareness of the Privacy Act

• While teaching qualifications are not essential, experience working with students in a primary school and

classroom environment would be an advantage.

• Experience providing support to English as an Additional Language learners would be advantageous.
  

Key Selection Criteria: Personal Qualities

• Initiative and the capacity for self-direction, while at the same time contributing to the output of the larger team.

• A positive, enthusiastic team member with superior organisational skills, the ability to set goals and prioritise

work, and the capacity to manage multiple, simultaneous tasks.

• An open and friendly disposition and a sense of humour.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to students and parents from a range of age groups,

experiences, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

• Ability to ensure confidentiality.

Safety and Wellbeing
All staff must:

• Take reasonable care of, and cooperate with actions taken to protect, the health and safety of both

themselves and others

• Report all accidents, incidents and hazards to their supervisors as soon as is practicable

• Read and abide by all WHS policies.
  

Conditions of Employment

• All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia

• All staff must satisfy child protection screening and adhere to Westminster’s Child Safety and Wellbeing policy

which includes holding a current Working With Children Clearance.
• Must maintain a current Certificate in Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care.

Updated: December 2023