Learning Support Assistant

SWLStG; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, hosting Choices College in Newcastle, is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to support interns with employability and English/maths curricula across multiple Newcastle sites. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable.

You will work closely with tutors to deliver bespoke employability training within a World class mental health education environment, supporting learners with SEN and ensuring inclusive learning.

Qualifications

• Required English and maths qualification at or above level 2.
• Qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
• Training in Systematic Instruction (TSI).
• Autism training.

Responsibilities

• Support SEN pupils in the classroom under the supervision of a tutor.
• Provide targeted support outside of the classroom such as the intern’s placement.
• Work on differentiated activities with learners.
• Liaise with the tutor to deliver SEN provision.
• Support the development of social/emotional skills of the learners.
• Work with tutors to monitor progress of learners.

Skills

Communication with learners

Team collaboration

Education

English and maths qualification at level 2

Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification

Training in Systematic Instruction (TSI)

Autism training

Job description

Site Newcastle Upon Tyne Town Newcastle Upon Tyne Salary £25,760 - £27,476 Per Annum - London weighting not included role based in Newcastle Salary period Yearly Closing 29/10/2026 23:59 Interview date 13/11/2026

South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust has a rich history, well-established community links and an international reputation. We provide a full range of local mental health services to the Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth London boroughs, as well as specialist forensic mental health services, including specialised services such as national deaf adults and CAMHS inpatients and OCD.

We are committed to providing high quality integrated health and social care for local people with mental health problems in South West London and more specialist mental health services for people throughout the UK. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ however we aim to be ‘outstanding’.

Our Values

We take pride in providing specialist care to our service users where our Trust values; being consistent, compassionate, collaborative, respectful and open is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is "making life better together".

When you join us, you’ll be part of something special – an innovative and rapidly growing organisation that is helping to redefine the Mental Health, education and social care landscape in the UK.

As a Trust, we are happy to talk flexible working.

Job overview

Choices College is a national Specialist Post-16 College providing a person-centred, Supported Internship to young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Through the Internship, 16–24-year-olds gain work experience, develop independence skills and increase their employability.

This unique and exciting opportunity has arisen to support students with their education within the Supported Internship programme called Choices College.

We are looking for Learning Support Assistants to work closely with our Tutors in delivering the educational outcomes of employability and English and maths curriculum.

The post holder will be a confident communicator with learners who have a range of learning disabilities and have recent experience in supporting the education of students with SEN in the classroom.

A passion for supporting students with SEN to meet their full potential is essential for this role.

The vacancy requires working at various sites in the Newcastle area.

A full drivers licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.

Main duties of the job

Choices College is a Specialist College and is funded by the Department of Education. We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.

The ethos of the college aligns to South West London’s and St Georges Menatl Health Trust. We are rated good by Ofsted.

SWLSTG have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. T he Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ - we aspire to be ‘outstanding’.

This is a great time to join us. As we transition to be hosted by SWLSTG who are transforming the way they care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a varietyofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.

Come and join our inclusive teams and help our interns on their journey.

Working for our organisation

Unless expressly stated in the job advert this role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.

We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. T he Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ - we aspire to be ‘outstanding’.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a varietyofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.

Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Learning Support Assistant’s main duties will include supporting delivery of bespoke employability training and English and maths to interns, supporting the delivery of sessions in a classroom setting. Administration relating to individuals needs and teaching g and learning is also a part of this role.

The LSA will:

• Support SEN pupils in the classroom under the supervision of a tutor
• Provide targeted support outside of the classroom such as the intern’s placement
• Work on differentiated activities with learners
• Liaise with the tutor to deliver SEN provision
• Support the development of social/emotional skills of thelearners

Work with tutors to monitor progress of learners

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications

If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.

Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.

Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Person specification

Training & Qualifications

• English and maths qualification at or above level 2.
• Qualification in Supporting Teaching and learning
• Training in Systematic Instruction (TSI)
• Autism training

Experience

• Experience of working in a classroom supporting learners with qualifications ranging from entry level 1 – level 2
• Experience of working with learners who have Special Educational Needs
• Working knowledge of MS office packages
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection legislation including information governance

At South West London St Georges Mental Health Trust we are committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Committed Employer, and welcome applications from all sections of the community and people of all protected characteristics. We are Members of Stonewall Diversity Champions and Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion.

As part of the Trust's commitment to Equalities and Diversity, the Trust supports the establishment of Staff Networks groups to promote diversity in the workplace:

• BME (Evolve) Staff Network
• DiverseAbility
• Mental Health Staff Forum
• Women's Staff Network
• LGBTQIA+

We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

We provide reasonable adjustments to the interview process for any candidates with a disability.

South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including job applications, sponsorship arrangements, or employment offers. The contact details published on our official website are the Trust’s authorised contact channels and should be used for all recruitment communications, job applications, and verification of employment offers.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.