Teaching Assistant - Learning Support

Teaching Assistant - Learning Support Skagerak International School | Start date: 1 August 2026 Position title:

Teaching Assistant - Learning Support

School/section:

Primary/Middle School (to be confirmed)

Accountable to:

Relevant School Principal

Start date:

1 August 2026

Direction from

Classroom teachers and Learning Support Coordinator / Student Support Team

Position type:

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Location:

Skagerak International School, Norway

Contract:

Permanent or fixed-term, as confirmed in the offer

Purpose:

Student learning, inclusion, safety and wellbeing

Language:

English required; Norwegian an advantage

JOB PURPOSE

To assist teachers in all areas concerned with the education, inclusion, safety and wellbeing of students, with particular emphasis on supporting students who benefit from learning support. The Teaching Assistant works under the direction of teachers and the Student Support Team to help students participate fully in school life, develop independence, and access the curriculum in line with Skagerak International School values and the IB Learner Profile.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist classroom teachers in preparing, delivering and reviewing learning activities across the curriculum.

• Support individual students and small groups in lessons, during transitions and in school routines, always under the direction of teaching staff.

• Promote a safe, calm, respectful and inclusive learning environment, including during break, lunch, trips and duty-roster supervision.

• Help maintain clean, organised and well-resourced learning spaces; gather and store materials safely.

• Encourage positive student behaviour, participation, independence and confidence, using agreed strategies consistently.

• Observe and share relevant information about student learning, wellbeing, accidents, incidents, bullying or harassment with appropriate staff promptly.

• Maintain constructive communication with colleagues and, where directed, support communication between school and home.

• Model professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, intercultural understanding and the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.

LEARNING SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Learning Support Coordinator, student support teacher and classroom teachers to implement agreed support plans, accommodations and routines.

• Provide planned support in class or through short withdrawal activities for students with identified or emerging learning, language, social, emotional or physical needs.

• Contribute observations, notes and evidence that help staff monitor progress and adjust support; assist with individual education plans or support documentation as requested.

• Prepare, adapt or organise learning materials, visual supports, assistive tools and classroom resources that improve access to learning.

• Support students in developing independence, self-advocacy, organisation, social interaction and safe participation in school activities.

• Attend relevant meetings with staff, parents, PPT or external services when requested and appropriate to the role.

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Participate in induction, child safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and school policy training before or soon after commencement.

• Engage in ongoing training related to learning support, child development, additional needs, behaviour support and inclusive practice.

• Seek guidance, feedback and coaching from teachers and the Student Support Team and apply agreed strategies consistently.

Essential qualifications, training and experience

• Formal teaching assistant, child and youth worker, learning support or special education qualification.

• Relevant training in learning support, education, child and youth work, special educational needs, social care, psychology or a comparable field

• Demonstrable fluency in spoken and written English and Norwegian

• Ability to follow teacher direction, implement agreed support strategies, keep appropriate records and handle confidential information responsibly.

• Reliable, calm and patient approach; strong relational skills; commitment to student wellbeing, inclusion and intercultural respect.

• Right to work in Norway and willingness to provide required documentation before appointment, including a satisfactory police certificate where required.

Preferred qualifications, training and experience

• Experience supporting neurodiverse learners, students with individual education plans, language-acquisition needs or social-emotional needs.

• Experience in an International Baccalaureate or international school environment.

• Norwegian language competency and familiarity with Norwegian school support services such as PPT.

HOURS OF WORK

The role is normally Monday to Friday from 08:30 until 16:00, although hours may vary according to the needs of the school. Working time is not to exceed 37.5 hours per week unless separately agreed and handled in accordance with the employment contract, school procedures and applicable Norwegian law.

SAFEGUARDING, COMPLIANCE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Appointment is conditional on satisfactory references, identity and right-to-work checks, and any statutory police certificate or safeguarding checks required for work with children.

All staff must follow school policies on child protection, health and safety, confidentiality, data protection, professional conduct and reporting concerns.

Skagerak International School is committed to equal, inclusive and transparent recruitment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and value a gender-balanced staff community; selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience and suitability for the role.