Learning Support Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; Heathfield; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider is seeking a Learning Support Assistant in Heathfield to support students with varied needs. The role involves working alongside teachers and fostering positive relationships with pupils while preparing learning materials. Suitable candidates should have experience with children, a calm and engaging demeanor, and a commitment to student success. The position offers a competitive salary and various benefits.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in an SEN/ASC environment is an advantage.
• Customer-facing industry experience may also be relevant.
• Training and development will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils in the classroom 1:1 or in small groups.
• Prepare learning materials and assist with lesson delivery.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to promote independence.

Skills

Calm, engaging, and resilient

Teamwork

Motivated by pupil achievement

Willingness to learn new skills

Education

Teaching Assistant Level 2 or 3

NVQ Health and Social Care Level 2 or 3

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

Overview

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Job Title: Learning Support Assistant
Location: The Greater Horseshoe School, Heathfield, TQ12 6RH
Salary: £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Rota: Monday 8.30am–3.45pm | Tuesday 8.30am–5.00pm | Wednesday to Friday 8.30am–3.45pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start Date: 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 supporting young people with varied and complex needs. You’ll be helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, celebrating every success, and making a real difference in their education and personal development.

Working alongside our talented teachers, you’ll provide vital support in the classroom, working 1:1 or in small groups, preparing learning materials, and helping to create engaging, creative, and inclusive lessons. You’ll also play a key role in building positive relationships with pupils, fostering interaction, and promoting independence.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils in the classroom 1:1 or in small groups.
• Prepare learning materials and assist with lesson delivery.
• Contribute to engaging, creative, and inclusive learning experiences.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, encourage interaction, and promote independence.

What We're Looking For

• Calm, engaging, and resilient.
• Able to work well as part of a team.
• Motivated by seeing pupils achieve and grow.
• Open to learning new skills and approaches.
• Experience working with children in an SEN/ASC environment would be an advantage, but it’s not essential. If you bring excellent support skills, the right personal qualities, and a genuine passion for helping pupils reach their full potential, we’ll provide you with the training and development you need to succeed.
• Roles may suit people with experience in customer-facing industries such as retail, hospitality, or leisure who are seeking a meaningful and rewarding new career.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Teaching Assistant Level 2 or 3
• NVQ Health and Social Care Level 2 or 3
• Full UK Driving Licence (mandatory)

About Us

The Greater Horseshoe School is an independent special school for pupils aged 8 to 18 years old. The school is situated in a peaceful woodland setting near Newton Abbot in Devon. Our school facilities are complemented by our nearby care farm, where we offer animal care, horticulture and a wide range of outdoor educational activities alongside academic and vocational programmes.

We are committed to providing the best education for pupils with complex needs. We offer a unique tailored programme for every pupil, combining a therapeutic approach, outdoor learning and individual academic and vocational programmes to suit each student. Everything that we do is based on thoroughly understanding the needs of our students and how we can best support them in achieving positive outcomes.

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. 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 proud to be recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work’ by Outcomes First Group for five years running (2024).

Why join Acorn Education?

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 knowing your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to 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

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to mental health support services and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, including:
  • Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
  • Discount options in the UK and abroad
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support – enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

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

Outcomes First Group is committed to a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. All stages of the compliance process are subject to safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.