Learning Support Assistant

NHS; Southampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Learning Support Assistants within the NHS National Supported Internship programme. The role involves supporting students with learning disabilities to achieve educational outcomes, requiring strong communication skills and experience in special educational needs.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with SEN on a 1:1 basis.
• Understanding of special educational needs relevant to Choices College students.

Responsibilities

• Support SEN pupils on a 1:1 basis in the classroom.
• Provide targeted support outside of the classroom.
• Monitor students' progress alongside tutors.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Data Entry

Enthusiasm

Education

Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification

GCSE/Functional Skills in English

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job summary

Following approval from the Department of Education, NHSE was awarded funding to develop a NHS National Supported Internship programme for young people with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (LDD) as well as Autism.

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

We are looking for Learning Support Assistants to work closely with Tutors in delivering educational outcomes related to Employability and Functional Skills qualifications.

The post holder will be a confident communicator with students who have a range of learning disabilities and will have recent extensive experience supporting students with SEN on a 1:1 basis in classroom settings.

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

The role requires working at various sites in Hampshire. A full driver's license and access to a vehicle are essential.

Main duties include supporting the delivery of bespoke Employability training and functional skills, supporting session delivery in classrooms, and maintaining weekly individual records for each student to meet inspection standards.

The Learning Support Assistant will:

• Support SEN pupils on a 1:1 basis in the classroom
• Provide targeted support outside of the classroom, such as during placements
• Work on differentiated activities with groups of students
• Liaise with tutors to deliver SEN provisions
• Support the development of social/emotional skills
• Monitor students' progress alongside tutors

About us

The NHS England board aims to lead the NHS in delivering high-quality services, focusing on improving health, reducing inequalities, making NHS a great place to work, and ensuring a skilled, compassionate workforce. We also focus on digital innovation and value for money.

For more information, please visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/.

Colleagues with an office-based contract are expected to spend at least 40% of their time working in person. Staff recruited externally will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.

Details:

• Date posted: 16 May 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: Band 3
• Salary: £24,625 to £25,674 per year
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 12 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 990-WTE-14796-E

Job locations: Explorer House, Southampton, SO16 0AS

Job description

Further details about the job can be found in the attached Job Description and supporting documents.

Secondments

NHS staff may apply on a secondment basis only, with prior approval from their employer.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential):

• Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification
• GCSE/Functional Skills in English, NVQ/QCF, ECDL or equivalent

Desirable qualifications include training in Systematic Instruction and Autism.

Knowledge & Experience (Essential):

• Understanding of special educational needs relevant to Choices College students
• Experience supporting students with qualifications from entry level 1 to level 2
• Experience working with students with SEN
• Proficiency in MS Office

Desirable includes understanding of employability curricula aligned with preparing for adulthood and Ofsted standards.

Skills & Abilities (Essential):

• Excellent communication, report writing, data entry, and phone skills
• Good planning, organizational, and record-keeping skills
• Enthusiasm and awareness of learners' needs
• Understanding of additional needs requiring referrals

Values & Behaviours (Essential):

• Championing rights of students with diverse disabilities
• Self-awareness of behaviour impacts

Desirable includes understanding and commitment to Supported Internships and adherence to health and safety policies.

Disclosure & Barring Service Check

This role requires a DBS check due to the nature of work with vulnerable students.

Employer details:

• Name: NHS England
• Address: Explorer House, Southampton, SO16 0AS
• Website: https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/working-for/