Are you looking to write your perfect Learning Support Assistant CV?
As a learning support assistant, your role is vital in providing additional help and support to students who may have special educational needs or require extra assistance in their learning journey.
Crafting a well-structured CV is crucial in showcasing your qualifications, relevant experience and notable achievements.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide, valuable tips and real-life examples to assist you in creating the ideal CV that will impress employers and secure you more job interviews. Let’s get started!
23 St Thornton Ladder Town IV51 4AF Mob: 0000 6865 5433 Email:[email protected]
Personal profile statement
I am a caring, inspirational and dedicated Learning Support Assistant with an excellent track record of supporting and encouraging young people to achieve their true potential. Besides having worked with children who had a variety of learning needs, I have also been involved with numerous projects, group works and presentations from which I have gained valuable, transferable skills such as communication, time management and prioritising workload.
Achievements
“Student Support of the Year” due to taking over a low-achieving group
Successfully taught a class with over 25 students
Education
2009 – 2012
BA Business Management
University of Surrey
Relevant Modules:
Business Skills
Marketing Essentials
Business Ethics
Information Management Systems
Business/Organisational Psychology
2007 – 2009 Results: Distinction
Level 3 NVQ in Education and Management
Deeside College
2001 – 2007 Results: 9 GCSEs at Grades A-C (including Maths and English)
GCSEs
Hockley Secondary School
Work experience
Feb 2013 – Present
Learning Support Assistant Bath Court School
Main duties performed:
Providing guidance, educational and emotional support to students with learning or behavioural difficulties and special needs
Providing 1-1 and small group tuition to SEN students
Assisting students who have difficulty with learning
Preparing and delivering lessons, class activities and workshops
Photocopying, printing and handing out lesson materials
Supporting students with English as a second language
Taking the register in the absence of the teacher
Utilising a wide range of learning resources for learning purposes
Performing break and lunchtime duties (if required)
Going through internal and external verification (and observations)
Supporting the organisation of extracurricular activities
Participating in meetings, parents’ evenings and school training events
Monitoring pupils’ performance throughout the year
Managing student behaviour in classrooms and around the school
Ensuring that the classroom is always tidy and in good order
Helping students with overcoming their learning barriers such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Aspersers and Autism
Supervising students during lunch and break times
Preparing resources particularly tailored to individual learners
Completing regular learner reviews for progression and development
Providing support to the Learning Support Officer (as and when required)
Jul 2012 – Feb 2013
Trainee Tutor Clifton College
Main duties performed:
Supporting the Teacher with running the classes
Helping with the preparation and delivery of lessons and tutorials
Supporting young learners to reach their full potential
Maintaining a calm teaching environment
Providing one-to-one tutorial support to students
Assisting with Examinations
General Admin duties such as phoning, filing, printing, etc.
Helping students with their UCAS applications and personal statements
Qualifications
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools – City & Guilds
Supporting Adults and Young People in Essential Skills – City & Guilds
First Aid Training Course – St John Ambulance
Skills
Outstanding communication, interpersonal and management skills
Excellent in using intervention strategies to aid learning
High level of Computer Skills (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
The ability to relate to and empathise with young people with disabilities
Hobbies and interests
In my spare time, I like to keep fit and socialise with family and friends. I am also an active volunteer at our local British Heart Foundation (two hours a week).
References
Mr Max Jones Curriculum Manager, Clifton College Address: 68 Lammas St, Great Barton, IP31 6YB Tel: 0233 566 4466 Email:[email protected]
The personal details are clear and concise: The candidate’s name and contact information are prominently displayed at the top of the CV, making it easier for employers to identify the owner of the CV and how to contact them.
The personal profile is impactful: The candidate’s personal profile provides a succinct summary of their qualifications and passion for helping students, creating a strong first impression.
Structured layout: The CV is neatly organised into sections, including personal details, personal profile, qualifications, work experience, key achievements, skills and references. This clear structure enhances readability.
Clear and professional language: The CV is written in clear, concise British English, demonstrating the candidate’s communication skills. They have not used slang/information language that would make the CV appear less professional.
Consistent formatting: Fonts, styles, and formatting choices are consistent throughout the document, creating a polished appearance.
Choose a professional font: Utilise a legible, professional font such as Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, Verdana, Times New Roman, Garamond or Calibri. These fonts are preferred by employers. Avoid decorative fonts (e.g. comics, handwriting) that can distract from the content.
Use bullet points: Employ bullet points to present information, especially in the “Key Achievements” section, where you can showcase specific accomplishments, and the “Employment” section, where you give details of your job’s duties and responsibilities.
Highlight important details: Use bold or italics to draw attention to essential information, like your name, headings, or job titles. Don’t overdo this, though, as it will lose its desired effect.
Emphasise relevant skills: List skills essential for a learning support assistant, like “Individualised education planning” or “Behaviour management.” Consider creating a dedicated “Skills” section to present this information.
Be concise: Keep your CV concise and to the point, ensuring that every piece of information adds value to your application. Don’t include any irrelevant personal information like your date of birth or gender. Also, don’t include any outdated jobs you’ve had a very long time ago if they don’t add value to your application.
The personal profile section of your CV is like your professional introduction.
You should briefly describe who you are as a professional, your key skills and what you’re looking for in your next role.
It’s a snapshot that should make employers eager to read the rest of your CV.
When writing your personal profile, be concise, highlighting your key skills, relevant experience and career goals, all tailored to the specific job you’re applying for.
With four years of dedicated experience as a learning support assistant, I’ve transformed the learning journeys of students with diverse needs. Through personalised support plans, I’ve boosted pass rates by 20%, nurtured communication skills, and provided a safe, inclusive learning environment. Committed to facilitating academic growth and fostering a positive educational experience.
Accomplishments
The accomplishments section of your CV showcases specific achievements, such as improved student performance or successful projects, demonstrating your practical impact in previous roles.
You can also include achievements from your education and life in general.
Promoted from an Entry-Level Teaching Assistant to a Senior Learning Support Assistant within 2 years.
Organized and led a charity fundraiser, raising £5,000 for a local special needs school.
Improved student pass rates by 15% through tailored individualised support and study plans.
Led a school garden project, teaching students about horticulture and teamwork.
Work experience
When writing the work experience section of your CV, focus on providing a clear and detailed account of your previous roles.
Start with your most recent job and work backwards, detailing your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs to describe your tasks, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements with specific examples to demonstrate your impact in each role.
This is a critical section of your CV so make sure it’s perfect!
January 2020 – Present
Learning Support Assistant Smithville High School
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Provide one-on-one support to students with special educational needs, tailoring learning materials to individual requirements.
Assist in classroom management, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
Collaborate with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans.
Monitor and record student progress, making adjustments to support strategies as needed.
Help students with activities of daily living, fostering independence and self-confidence.
Providing one-to-one support to students with special educational needs.
Assisting in classroom management to maintain an inclusive and safe learning environment.
Collaborating with teachers to develop and implement individualised education plans (IEPs).
Monitoring and recording student progress, adjusting support strategies as necessary.
Promoting and facilitating effective communication between students and teachers.
Supporting students with activities of daily living to foster independence.
Adapting learning materials and resources to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Assisting in the organisation and supervision of extracurricular activities.
Implementing behaviour management strategies to address challenging behaviour.
Offering emotional and social support to help students build self-confidence and resilience.
Educational background
The education background section of your CV should be organized in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent qualifications.
Include all relevant qualifications such as degrees, A-Levels, GCSEs, diplomas and certifications.
For each entry, mention the name of the qualification, the institution or university where you obtained it and the date of completion.
Example:
September 2015 – June 2019
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Education Studies
University of Manchester
Degree classification: Second Class (Upper Division).
Subjects Studied:
Inclusive Education
Special Educational Needs
Educational Psychology
Child Development
September 2013 – June 2015 Results: Psychology (A), Sociology (A), English Literature (B).
A-Levels
Manchester College
Professional training and qualifications
In this section, you can list your professional qualifications and vocational training, such as Teaching Assistant diplomas or other relevant certifications.
Example:
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning – City & Guilds
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health – CACHE
First Aid and CPR Certification – British Red Cross
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Training – NSPCC
Teaching Assistant Level 2 Certificate – The Open University
Skills and abilities
The skills and abilities section of your CV is where you showcase your specific competencies, such as communication, problem-solving and subject knowledge, to demonstrate your suitability for the job you’re applying for.
Effective communication: Skilled in clear and empathetic communication with students, fostering a trusting and supportive learning environment, resulting in improved class engagement.
Individualised education planning: Proficient in developing tailored education plans for students with special needs, resulting in measurable academic progress and a positive impact on student performance.
Behaviour management: Experienced in implementing effective behaviour management strategies, resulting in a decrease in classroom disruptions and a more focused learning environment.
Adaptive teaching techniques: The capability to adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and individual requirements.
Organisational skills: The aptitude for managing schedules, resources, and educational materials effectively.
Collaborative teamwork: The aptitude for collaborating closely with educators, parents and external professionals to create a strong support network for students.
Patience: The capacity to remain patient and understanding when working with students who may require additional support.
Empathy: The ability to connect with and understand the feelings and experiences of students, creating a trusting relationship.
Conflict resolution: Skill in resolving conflicts and addressing issues that may arise among students or in the classroom.
Technology proficiency: Knowledge of using educational technology and digital tools to support teaching and learning.
Flexibility: The willingness to adjust plans and strategies to accommodate unexpected changes or developments.
Empowerment: The capacity to empower students to take an active role in their own learning and development.
Observation skills: Proficiency in observing and identifying the needs and behaviours of students, allowing for timely intervention.
Hobbies
The hobbies and interests section of your CV is an opportunity to provide a glimpse into your personality and what you enjoy outside of work.
You can mention hobbies that showcase skills or traits relevant to the job, such as participating in sports or volunteering or simply share your interests to create a more well-rounded and relatable CV.
Example:
Outside of my role, I enjoy volunteering at a local youth club, where I continue to support young people in their personal and educational development. Additionally, I’m passionate about reading educational literature and staying up to date with the latest developments in special education, allowing me to bring fresh insights to my work as a learning support assistant.
References
The references section of your CV is where you provide contact information for individuals who can vouch for your qualifications and character.
Referees can include former employers, colleagues or teachers who are familiar with your work and can speak positively about your abilities.
Example:
Ms. Rebecca Wilson Learning Coordinator, Harmony Schools Address: 123 Oak Street, London, SW1 4XY Tel: 01234 567890 Email:[email protected]
Mr. Henry Evans Head of Department, Bridge Academy Address: 6 Pine Lane, Manchester, M13 8AB Tel: 07890 123456 Email:[email protected]
Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”
Include voluntary work: If applicable, detail your volunteer experience, showing your commitment to educational support beyond your paid roles.
Tailor to the job: Customise your CV for each application, aligning your skills and experience with the specific needs of the school or institution. Use the same words and phrases as the job’s personal specification to create a more targeted CV.
Quantify achievements: Use numbers to demonstrate your impact, for example, “Improved pass rates by 20%”, or “Supervised a class of 27 children in the absence of the teacher.”
Use educational buzzwords: Incorporate industry-specific terminology like “IEPs” (Individualised Education Plans) and “SEN” (Special Educational Needs) to demonstrate your knowledge of the field.
Describe communication skills: Explain how your effective communication fosters cooperation between students, teachers and parents. To demonstrate that you have excellent written skills, make sure your CV, cover letter and job application form don’t contain any spelling or grammar mistakes.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).