Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant (Adolescents Community / Secondary)A Unique Opportunity to Combine Montessori & SENDLocation: North LondonStart Date: 1 September 2026Contract: Full-time, Long-termSalary: competitiveAt the Maria Montessori Institute, we are looking for a caring, proactive and resilient Learning Support Assistant to join our Adolescents Community, supporting students aged 13–18 as part of our Inclusion and Wellbeing Team, providing coordinated support for students with additional needs. This is a unique opportunity to develop expertise in both Montessori and SEND within an independent school that follows the UK curriculum through the authentic Montessori method. You will benefit from training, mentoring and ongoing development within one of the world’s leading AMI Montessori organisations.Whether you are a SEND practitioner interested in Montessori, or a Montessori practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge of inclusive education and adolescent development, we would love to hear from you. Previous Montessori experience is not essential. The RoleAs a Learning Support Assistant, you will:Provide one-to-one and small-group support that promotes confidence, independence and successful participation in learning.Deliver agreed interventions and implement support strategies developed by the SENDCo and specialist professionals.Support students with a range of SEND, adapting your approach to meet individual needs.Respond to behaviour using calm, consistent, trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches.Support students during practical activities, sport and wider school experiences, helping them participate safely and confidently.Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families and the Inclusion & Wellbeing Team. Why Join Us?At the Maria Montessori Institute, you will have the opportunity to:Develop a unique combination of Montessori and SEND expertise.Receive training, mentoring and ongoing professional development.Work alongside experienced SENDCo and Montessori educators.Gain valuable experience supporting adolescents within an authentic Montessori environment.Join a warm, collaborative and highly supportive Team.Develop a rare combination of Montessori and SEND expertise, enhancing future career opportunities across education, SEND and the international Montessori community. About the Maria Montessori InstituteFounded in 1964 by Mario Montessori, son of Dr Maria Montessori, the Maria Montessori Institute has been at the forefront of authentic Montessori education for over 60 years. Today, it is home to the UK's only Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) training centre and an exemplar Montessori school. AMI, founded in 1929 by Dr Maria Montessori and her son Mario Montessori, is the international organisation established to uphold and safeguard the authenticity and standards of Montessori education worldwide.The Institute is internationally recognised for its AMI teacher training programmes, attracting educators from around the world. It also serves as a centre for authentic Montessori practice, professional development and research, supporting the continued advancement of Montessori education both in the UK and internationally. Essential Skills and ExperienceWe are looking for someone who has:Experience working with children or adolescents in education, care or a community setting.A calm, warm and patient approach with the ability to build trusting relationships.Strong communication, observation and organisational skills.A proactive, flexible and collaborative attitude.A genuine commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and student wellbeing.An interest in Montessori education and a willingness to continue learning. DesirableExperience supporting children or young people with SEND.Experience in mainstream, specialist, alternative or Montessori education.Knowledge of neurodevelopmental differences, including autism, ADHD, specific learning differences, speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), and sensory processing differences.Familiarity with trauma-informed and/or attachment-aware approaches.A relevant qualification in education, SEND, childcare, psychology or a related field.AMI Montessori training or courses.Fluency in Spanish. ApplyThis is an exciting opportunity to join a school that values curiosity, collaboration and professional growth while making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people.Please apply with your up-to-date CV and a covering letter outlining your interest in the role to Jacqueline Alexander jacqueline.alexander@mariamontessori.org and Paola Torrani Paola.torrani@mariamontessori.orgThe Maria Montessori Institute is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, safer recruitment checks and an Enhanced DBS.