Learning Support Assistant

SMART Education Recruitment; Newbottle; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to work across four college sites in the North East, delivering tailored support to young people with SEND and helping them develop Functional Skills English and Maths.

You'll work Monday to Thursday, with a long-term supply contract for the full academic year starting November 2026, and you'll travel between Newcastle, Blyth, Wallsend and Sunderland. A full UK driving licence is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, SEND Support Worker, or similar role.
• Background supporting young people with SEND, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or complex needs.
• Good standard of English and Maths at Level 2 or equivalent.
• Confident supporting Functional Skills activities.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside tutors to provide tailored support for young people with SEND.
• Support students in Functional Skills English and Maths, typically at Entry Level and Level 1/2.
• Deliver 1:1 and small-group support, adapting activities for diverse needs.
• Promote employability and life skills, encouraging independence and workplace readiness.
• Foster positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and inclusive communication.
• Help students with accessibility requirements and build professional relationships with students and team.
• Monitor progress, give feedback, and champion each student's development.

Skills

LSA experience

SEND background

English & Maths Level 2

Education

Level 2 English

Level 2 Maths

Job description

• Location: Newcastle upon Tyne & Surrounding Areas (North East)
• Salary: Up to £122 per day (pro-rata rate for shorter working day)
• Contract: Long-Term Supply - Full Academic Year
• Start Date: November 2026 (After October Half Term)
• Working Days: Monday to Thursday

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive pay of up to £122 per day (pro-rata for shorter days).
• Long-term assignment for the full academic year, giving you stability and experience.
• Consistent Monday-Thursday working pattern.
• The chance to build lasting relationships as you support young people in a specialist post-16 learning environment.
• A rewarding, purposeful role focused on student independence, employability, and personal development.
• Support from an experienced education recruitment consultant.
• Opportunity to visit the provision ahead of starting in November 2026.

Working Locations & Hours

This role involves travel between four college sites each week:

• Monday - Newcastle upon Tyne: 9:15am-4:00pm
• Tuesday - Blyth, Northumberland: 9:15am-1:15pm
• Wednesday - Wallsend, North Tyneside: 9:15am-4:00pm
• Thursday - Sunderland: 9:15am-4:00pm

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle would be advantageous, but candidates able to reliably travel between sites will also be considered.

The Role

• Work alongside experienced tutors to provide tailored support for young people with SEND, including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and complex needs.
• Support students in Functional Skills English and Maths, typically at Entry Level and Level 1/2.
• Deliver 1:1 and small-group support, adapting learning activities for diverse needs and learning styles.
• Promote employability and life skills, encouraging independence and workplace readiness.
• Foster positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and inclusive communication.
• Help students with physical disabilities and accessibility requirements.
• Build strong, professional relationships with students and the wider team.
• Monitor progress, give feedback, and champion each student's development.

Skills and Experience

• Experience as a Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, SEND Support Worker, or similar role.
• Background supporting young people with SEND, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or complex needs.
• Good standard of English and Maths at Level 2 or equivalent.
• Confident supporting Functional Skills activities.
• Strong understanding of behaviour management and tailored learning.
• Excellent patience, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Adaptable, proactive attitude and a reliable presence across locations.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable but not essential. Relevant hands-on experience is highly valued.

Previous experience in further education, specialist colleges, supported internships, or employability settings would be a particular advantage.

Safeguarding Requirements

You must share a commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS and barred list checks, satisfactory references, and verification of your right to work in the UK.