Learning Support Assistant

Long-term Teachers Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Long-term Teachers Ltd in Exeter is seeking a caring, motivated Learning Support Assistant (SEND) to support learners aged 16–25 with SEND. Role is 1:1 and small-group support across education and community settings, with a focus on developing independence and employability.

This temporary-to-permanent, term-time role starts 9 November 2026. You should have experience in education or care, a full UK driving licence, and GCSEs in English and Maths at 4 or above.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young adults with SEND.
• Understanding of person-centred approaches and behaviour support.
• Willingness to travel within the community and across sites.
• DBS checks and safeguarding compliance will be required.

Responsibilities

• Support learners with SEND to achieve educational and personal goals.
• Assist learners during lessons, community activities and work placements.
• Encourage confidence, independence and positive social development.
• Adapt support strategies to meet individual needs and learning styles.
• Provide personal care support where required.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to learner reviews.
• Collaborate with families and external professionals for consistency.

Skills

Teaching experience SEND

SEND education

Care or support work

Autism support

Youth/community support

Behaviour support

Education

GCSE English & Maths (4+)

Job description

Post-16 Learning Support Assistant (SEND) – Exeter

Hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00 - 16:00

Contract: Full-time, term-time only – temporary to permanent opportunity

Start Date: 9th November 2026

Pay: £120 per day

A college in Exeter is looking for caring, motivated and reliable individuals to join its team, supporting young people aged 16–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This opportunity would suit someone with experience in education, support work, care, youth services or disability support who is passionate about helping young adults build confidence, develop independence, improve communication skills and gain valuable everyday life skills.

The Role

As a Post-16 Learning Support Assistant, you will provide tailored support to learners with a range of additional needs across educational and community-based settings. Support will primarily be delivered on a 1:1 basis, with some small-group support where appropriate.

You will help learners engage in personalised learning activities, access opportunities within the community, develop greater independence and work towards meaningful outcomes, including employability and independent living skills.

Main Responsibilities

• Support young adults with SEND to achieve their educational and personal goals.
• Assist learners during lessons, community activities and work placements.
• Encourage confidence, independence and positive social development.
• Adapt support strategies to meet individual needs and learning styles.
• Provide personal care support where required.
• Promote positive behaviour and support learners' emotional wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to learner reviews.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and external professionals to ensure learners receive consistent, individualised support.

About You

Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience in:

• Teaching Assistant or classroom support roles.
• SEND education.
• Care or support work.
• Autism and learning disability services.
• Youth work or community support.
• Behaviour support.

Essential Requirements

• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.
• Experience supporting individuals with SEND or additional needs.
• An understanding of person-centred approaches and behaviour support.
• Flexibility to travel within the community.

Long-term Teachers are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and relevant references.

If you're passionate about inclusive education and empowering young people with SEND to reach their full potential, we'd love to hear from you.