Learning Support Assistant

Orchard Hill College; London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchard Hill College is seeking dedicated Learning Support Assistants to assist students with special needs in their education, personal care, and wellbeing. This supportive role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students while promoting their independence.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Willingness to complete internal functional skills courses.

Responsibilities

• Support learners in educational and personal care activities.
• Engage with students during lessons and breaks.

Skills

Experience with Special Educational Needs

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Level 1 Maths

Level 2 English

Job description

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Salary: Grade 1C/3, spine points 9 – 17, Outer London £21,615.14 - £22,866.53 (FTE £27,343 - £28,926) inclusive of London Weighting Allowance

Working Pattern: 36 hours per week, Term Time only (36 working weeks), 8.45 am – 4.30 pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45 am to 4.15 pm on Friday

Orchard Hill College is an Outstanding Specialist College (Ofsted, March 2025) offering life-changing learning opportunities to young people and adults with a range of special education needs and/or disabilities. We have nine vibrant community-based College Centres across London and Surrey where committed, specialist teams deliver a range of programmes to meet the needs of over 400 students.

Students who study with us have a wide range of needs including profound and multiple learning disabilities, communication and behavioural difficulties and specific medical needs. All students are individual, and their learning programme is designed to support and empower them to achieve their aspirations and goals, whilst developing skills to become more independent members of their community.

Orchard Hill College is a truly unique and rewarding place to work with inspirational students and a dynamic and supportive staff team.

The College is also an Academy sponsor and established Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in 2013 which is home to 14 special schools. Together Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust provide for over 1500 pupils and students with SEN across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website

We are looking for Learning Support Assistants (LSA) to support learners through their educational, personal care and therapy programmes, ensuring student's health and wellbeing is maintained.

As an LSA you will engage with students during lesson and break times, promoting their independence and communication as directed by the class Lecturer. You will support our students to gain self-confidence and independence through encouragement and reassurance, by supporting the students in accessing a range of home, community, work related and basic skills learning programmes.

You should have experience of working, caring or voluntary work with people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Experience of working within a team is also essential.

You must hold level 1 Maths and Level 2 English qualifications or be willing to enrol on our internal functional skills course within your first year of employment and complete the course within 2 years.

Please read the full job description and person specification for further details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.

To apply for the role please use the fast apply option to submit an application.

Your application will be scored against each of the criteria listed in the person specification. Please ensure you demonstrate in your application how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the criteria that are required for the role.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

Closing date: 9am Thursday 3rd July 2025

Interview date: W/C 7th July 2025

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.