Education Support Worker

University of Derby; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Derby Buxton seeks an Education Support Worker to assist students with Special Educational Needs and Specific Learning Difficulties. You will support learners in and out of class, helping with individual programmes and assessments, and work across Kedleston Road and the Nuclear Skills Academy.

A DBS check and FE experience are essential for this role. You will contribute to inclusive learning, promote student well-being, and collaborate with teaching staff to adapt approaches for

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (A–C) or Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy required.
• Experience with students with a range of learning needs in Further Education is essential.
• Completed DBS check and safeguarding responsibilities are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with transport arrangements (e.g., taxis, buses).
• Support safeguarding and wellbeing of students.
• Coordinate care assessment processes for students with additional needs.
• Assist in the use and care of educational aids and equipment.
• Support students in classrooms, practicals, and examinations as needed.
• Support social integration and well-being during breaks and lunchtimes.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisation

Administration

Education

GCSE English & Maths (A-C) or L2 Literacy & Numeracy

Job description

Onsite
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

Please note: applicants already contracted to full-time positions within the University are not permitted to undertake additional contracted hours due to the weekly working time directive.

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

At the University of Derby, our Institute of Education and Skills is at the heart of shaping the educators, trainers, and leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to inspiring, developing, and empowering professionals across education, training, and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities.

We deliver high-quality programmes that span teacher training, post-16 education, early years, educational leadership, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with real-world application, we prepare our students to make an impact in diverse educational settings.

Our staff are committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence; engaging learners with cutting-edge research, sector-leading practice, and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We are proud to work with schools, colleges, training providers, and employers across the region and beyond, ensuring that our teaching is grounded in the needs of society and industry.

Whether through developing the next generation of teachers, enhancing workforce skills, or advancing educational research, the Institute of Education and Skills plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education.

About University of Derby Buxton

University of Derby Buxton is a vibrant and unique campus set in the heart of the Peak District, combining a rich history with a forward-looking approach to education. Based in the iconic Devonshire Dome, the Buxton campus is home to specialist programmes such as hospitality, culinary arts, events, tourism, and hair and beauty.

The campus is designed to provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences, supported by industry-standard facilities and strong links to local, national, and international employers. With its blend of practical training, academic expertise, and professional partnerships, Buxton offers an environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in dynamic and competitive industries.

Set within the stunning natural landscape of Derbyshire, the campus also offers an inspiring backdrop for study and personal growth. At Buxton, students are encouraged to explore, innovate, and thrive, making it an exceptional place to learn and build a successful future.

University of Derby Buxton is rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED in all inspection areas, including teaching, learning & assessment, outcomes for learners, personal development, behaviour & welfare; and has a team of dedicated staff who take pride in supporting learners towards their study and career goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team on our journey to becoming an outstanding provider?

We are actively seeking an Education Support Worker to join the Learning Support/Institute of Education and Skills here at the University of Derby Buxton. In post, you will support a diverse range of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD), thereby fostering an inclusive educational environment.

The role of Education Support Worker is vital in enabling students to engage fully with the varied curriculum we offer, which spans from pre-entry qualifications to higher degree apprenticeships. Our students face differing challenges in their educational journeys, and it is imperative that we cater to their unique learning requirements. You will play an essential role in supporting learners both in and out of class sessions, offering assistance in person as well as online.

In this capacity, you will focus on promoting learners’ educational and personal development, ensuring they can access all the opportunities available within our institution. This role not only supports their academic progression but also contributes significantly to their holistic growth. It is an extraordinary chance to join a growing team of committed individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young people.

This role is split between our main Kedleston Road campus and the Nuclear Skills Academy, with approximately three days based at Kedleston Road and two days at the Nuclear Skills Academy.

The anticipated interview date: 3rd September 2026

Actual hours and days will be described in a ‘Schedule of Work’.

The ideal candidate will be a supportive and committed education professional with a solid grounding in English and Maths, demonstrated through GCSEs at grades A–C or equivalent Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications.

You will have experience working with students who have a wide range of individual learning needs, including those with profound and complex learning difficulties. Experience within a Further Education setting is essential, providing you with an understanding of inclusive, learner-focused environments. You will be skilled in contributing to individual programme planning, adapting approaches to support each student’s progress and wellbeing. You will also be able to communicate clearly and sensitively, building positive relationships with students and ensuring learning is accessible, encouraging, and tailored to individual needs.

• To assist students to meet their transport arrangements, for example to and from taxis and buses.
• Be committed to the safeguarding of students.
• To co-ordinate the care assessment process for students with additional support needs in any area of the University of Derby Buxton.
• To assist students in the use and care of educational aids and personal equipment provided by the University of Derby Buxton or outside bodies.
• To provide assistance for students with learning support needs in the classroom, practical work situations and during examinations where necessary.
• To provide assistance to students with additional support needs at break time and lunch time, including organising student supervision during non-taught periods of time.
• To assist in the evacuation of students with additional support needs from the University of Derby Buxton buildings in an emergency situation in conjunction with other staff members.
• To assist in the social integration and Well Being of students.
• To provide support on UODB trips and work experience.
• To monitor and manage the stock of learning resources, coordinating their preparation and ordering as directed by lecturing staff.
• To take a full part in Learning Support Team and Programme Area Support meetings and report back to Education Support Workers and Assistants as appropriate.
• To undertake all tasks in accordance with University of Derby Buxton Policy and Procedures and appropriate legislation.
• To comply with the requirements of Health and Safety, other relevant legislation and University of Derby Buxton documentation.
• To understand and comply with the University of Derby Buxton Equality and Diversity policy.
• To undertake any other reasonable duties within the overall function, commensurate with the grading and level of responsibility of the job.
• To comply with the requirements of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults, Prevent, Health and Safety, Quality and other University policies including Equal Opportunities, Risk Management and Equality and Diversity.
• English and Maths GCSE (A-C grade) or L2 Literacy and L2 Numeracy qualification or equivalent.

Experience

• Experience of working with students with a variety of individual learning needs.
• Experience of working within Further Education.

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Knowledge of individual programme planning for students with individual learning.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and colleagues.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students who have profound and complex learning difficulties.
• Ability to use own initiative.
• Ability to work effectively on one’s own and within a small team.
• Ability to ensure accurate records.

Business requirements

• Completed DBS check with child barred list.

Experience

• Knowledge of Makaton or similar sign language knowledge.
• Experience of implementing quality systems.
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Angela John, Learning Support Lead via [e-mail]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail] .

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation.

We are Disability Confident Employers, demonstrating our commitment to disability inclusion, and invite applicants to highlight adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes.

Further, we are committed to ensuring an environment which is trans and non-binary-inclusive for all our staff, students, partners, and visitors, and continuously review our policies, guidance and training.

When applying to join the University, you can choose your preferred title, including the gender-neutral title 'Mx'. We also ask our candidates if they would like to share their preferred pronouns.This is voluntary but demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity for trans and non-binary candidates.Once employed, you can add pronouns and preferred names onto our system.

The University of Derby undertakes anonymised shortlisting during the staff recruitment process. This means that, when shortlisting, panel members will not be able to see an applicant’s name and will see an applicant number instead. This demonstrates the practical steps we are taking to remove barriers to recruitment by minimising the possible impact of our unconscious bias.

However you identify, we actively celebrate the knowledge, experience and talents each person brings. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds; therefore we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who will help our leaders and teams be more reflective of our student population.

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

Don’t wait to leave your mark, apply now to inspire the next generation.

How to apply

Note: This section has been removed during refinement as it contained application instructions.

\u003cstrong\u003eThe University reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.\u003c/strong\u003e

Note: This section has been removed during refinement as it contained application instructions.

If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at [e-mail] .

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

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