We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join our OFSTED Outstanding Special School in a period of rapid development.

Briarwood has a dedicated team of staff, governors and parents/carers who are proud to support 167, rising to 233 in September 2026, children and young people aged 3 to 19 years and are passionate about their progress, happiness and care.

We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated Learning Support Assistants to join our special school team at our sites in Fishponds and Knowle. You will work closely with teachers and other professionals to support pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping them to achieve their full potential in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

You will be required to work with a range of pupils whom have severe and profound learning difficulties. A large number of our pupils have challenging behaviours and are within the Autistic Spectrum.

Candidates must:

• Bring energy, confidence and enthusiasm with a commitment to inclusion.
• Provide direct support for the learning of individual children or groups of children to achieve defined progression targets.
• Have experience and knowledge in working with children within a special needs setting is desirable.
• Support pupils' communication, social, emotional, and behavioural development.
• Help create a positive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.

Why Join Briarwood?

At Briarwood, we believe every child deserves opportunities to enjoy, engage and learn in ways that work for them.

Make a Real Difference - Transform the lives of children and young people with complex SEND needs.

Invest in Your Professional Growth - Benefit from extensive training, career development opportunities and a culture that encourages learning and progression.

Health and wellbeing matters - All Briarwood staff are entitled to a well being day on completion of their probation period. Another well being day can also be granted based on additional twilight training attendance.

Join an Outstanding Team - Work alongside dedicated, highly skilled colleagues in a supportive environment where relationships, inclusion and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.

The roles are permanent post, 32.5 hours per week, 6.5 hours per day, plus a 30 minute unpaid lunch break, 8.45am to 3.45pm. Term time only, working 39 weeks (including 5 inset days), 13 weeks school holidays of which 6.6 weeks paid as annual leave. No entitlement to annual leave during term. Salary dependent on Local Government continuous service .  Pay award pending.

NB: We are unable to sponsor visas for this role as it does not meet the required criteria for sponsorship

Closing Date: 31/08/2026

Interview Date: Early September 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible dependent on notice period and DBS clearance.

Briarwood School is committed to providing Equal Opportunities for its pupils and staff and safeguarding children. All employees must have an enhanced DBS clearance (this will be carried out by the school if you are successful).