Learning Support Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; Chorley; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a passionate Learning Support Assistant to enhance student learning experiences at Waterloo Lodge School. This role will involve supporting teachers, implementing tailored programs, and promoting emotional development. Candidates should possess GCSEs in core subjects and demonstrate enthusiasm, adaptability, and effective communication skills. A competitive salary of £22,300 per annum is offered, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Family Growth Support

Responsibilities

• Support teachers with individual pupils and small groups.
• Implement individualized educational and behavioral programs.
• Monitor educational and social development.
• Organize materials for learning activities.
• Promote social and emotional growth.
• Accompany pupils on educational visits.

Skills

Enthusiastic communication

Adaptability

Teamwork

Patience

Positivity

Education

GCSEs (or equivalent) in core subjects

Job description

Overview

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title: Learning Support Assistant

Location: Waterloo Lodge School, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 7AX

Salary: £22,300 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday - Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time only

Start: October 2025

UK Applicants only: This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and pupils, helping to create a positive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.

You will provide tailored support to individuals and small groups, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive both academically and socially. From preparing resources to supporting lessons, and even joining pupils on educational visits, every day will bring variety and the chance to contribute to meaningful progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teachers by working with individual pupils and small groups across a broad and balanced curriculum.
• Help implement individual educational and behavioural programmes, tailored to pupils’ needs.
• Record and monitor educational, social, and behavioural progress within agreed frameworks.
• Prepare and organise materials and equipment to support learning activities.
• Promote social and emotional development, encouraging self-esteem and positive relationships.
• Accompany pupils on external educational visits and occasionally provide transport when required.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for someone enthusiastic, adaptable, and committed to supporting pupils to reach their full potential. You’ll be a great communicator, enjoy working as part of a team, and bring patience and positivity to every challenge.

Qualifications Required

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in core subjects

About us

Waterloo Lodge is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.