Learning Support Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; East Finchley; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym access

Travel discounts (UNO Bus)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

CPD & staff training

Staff development days

Mental health support

Eye care voucher

Job summary

Oaklands College is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to join the Additional Learning Support team. You will help students with ALN, disabilities and EHCPs access lessons, build independence and study skills, and support transitions into and beyond college.

Work occurs in classrooms and with curriculum staff, including examination support when needed. GCSE English/Maths at 4/C or above and an enhanced DBS are required.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above.
• Relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, or willingness to work towards one.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with a range of additional learning needs, disabilities and medical conditions.
• Deliver support plans and adapt strategies as required.
• Help learners develop independence, confidence, resilience and self-advocacy.
• Aid with organisation, study skills, time management and assistive technology.
• Encourage participation in lessons and college life.
• Provide examination support where required.
• Support transitions into, within and beyond college.
• Keep accurate records and contribute to reviews and risk assessments.
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing, equality and health and safety.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

IT/digital skills

Learner-focused approach

Patience and empathy

Education

GCSE English & Maths (4/C or above)

Level 2/3 qualification or willingness to work towards

Job description

The post is a Learning Support Assistant role in the Additional Learning Support team at Oaklands College. The role centres on helping students with additional learning needs, disabilities and EHCPs to access lessons, build independence and study skills, and move through transitions into and beyond college. Work is in the classroom and alongside curriculum staff, with examination support where needed. GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C and an enhanced DBS check are required.

What the job involves

• Support students with a range of additional learning needs, disabilities and medical conditions
• Deliver support strategies set out in EHCPs, support plans and specialist recommendations
• Help learners develop independence, confidence, resilience and self-advocacy
• Assist with organisation, study skills, time management and assistive technology
• Encourage active participation in lessons, enrichment activities and college life
• Provide examination support where required
• Support students through transition points into, within and beyond college
• Work with curriculum staff and the ALS team to ensure consistent support
• Keep accurate records and contribute to support plans, reviews and risk assessments
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing, equality and health and safety

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above
• Relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, or willingness to work towards one

Experience

• Experience working with young people or adults
• Experience supporting individuals with additional needs or disabilities

Skills & knowledge

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Good organisational and administrative abilities
• Confident IT and digital skills
• Patient, supportive and learner-focused approach
• Commitment to promoting inclusion and student achievement

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Satisfactory references

Nice to have

• Experience working within Further Education
• Knowledge of EHCPs and SEND legislation
• Experience supporting students with Autism, ADHD, SEMH needs or physical disabilities
• First Aid or Mental Health First Aid training

What’s offered

• Free on-site gym access at St Albans campus (time restrictions may apply)
• Financial wellbeing support, including discounts and UNO Bus Scheme travel
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Continuous Professional Development, including free Adult Community Learning courses and staff training
• Staff Development Days and Awards
• Mental health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health Peer Supporters
• Eye Care Voucher Scheme