Learning Support and Care Assistant (Woodlands Centre)

Activate Learning; Worplesdon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the UK seeks dedicated Learning Support & Care Assistants to support young learners with complex needs at The Woodlands Centre. No prior experience required, just a passion for helping others. Enjoy flexible hours, comprehensive training, and a supportive working environment that makes a real difference in students' lives.

Benefits

Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards

Comprehensive wellbeing resources

Health Cash Plan for you and dependents

Continuous opportunities for professional growth

Generous paid leave

Flexible working options

Access to on-site facilities including gym

Qualifications

• Experience in learning disabilities or care is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Empathy, patience, and adaptability.
• A genuine passion for helping students thrive.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one or small group support to learners.
• Support learners in developing essential life skills.
• Assist learners in accessing the curriculum safely.
• Promote learners' independence and self-esteem.
• Work alongside tutors and therapists.
• Support learners with mobility and personal care.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Teamwork

Adaptability

Job description

Learning Support & Care Assistant - The Woodlands Centre (Merrist Wood College)

Salary: up to £13.02ph
Contract Type: Full time and Part time roles available. Option to work either 09-15:00 or 09:00-16:30 (Please note, this role requires availability on Mondays), term-time only.
Location: Woodlands Centre at Merrist Wood college
Benefits: Various in-house training opportunities relevant to the role

About the Role as a Learning Support & Care Assistant

Are you passionate about supporting others and making a real difference in the lives of young people?

We’re looking for dedicated Learning Support & Care Assistants to support learners with complex learning and care needs at The Woodlands Centre, a specialist SEND facility featuring sensory and therapy rooms, classrooms, and gardens.

Our team supports learners who face barriers to education, including young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our programme is aimed at young people with high sensory needs and a range of Moderate to Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide one-to-one or small group support to learners across a variety of activities, including personal care and learning tasks.
• Support learners in developing essential life skills (e.g Independent living, Meal preparation, wellbeing, and functional skills)
• Assist learners in accessing the curriculum and wider college activities in a safe and inclusive way.
• Promote learners' independence, dignity, confidence and self-esteem at all times.
• Work alongside tutors, therapists, and other support staff to deliver person-centred education.
• Support learners with mobility, medical needs, and personal care, where required.
• Help implement individual targets linked to EHCP outcomes and progress tracking systems.

What do you need to be a successful Learning Support & Care Assistant at Activate Learning?

No previous experience is required - your values, attitude and willingness to learn are what matter most. If you have a natural desire to help others, show compassion, and believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive, we want to hear from you!

• Experience (personal or professional) in learning disabilities or care (advantageous but not essential)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Empathy, patience, and adaptability
• A genuine passion for helping students thrive.

What we offer:

• A welcoming and supportive working environment at the heart of our SEND provision.
• Full induction and ongoing training in specialist areas which includes Makaton, epilepsy, personal care, first aid, manual handling, behaviour management, eating and drinking support and medication.
• Being part of a values-driven team that believes every learner can achieve.
• The chance to make a life-changing impact on young people's lives

Who we are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

Here are some of our benefits:

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave
• Flexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit our work-with-us/wellbeing-and-benefits page

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.