Learning Support Assistant

Protocol; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Protocol in Stevenage is seeking a Learning Support Mentor/Assistant to support learners with SEND and additional needs. This role focuses on helping students reach their full potential through personalised guidance.

You will work with teaching staff to provide 1:1 and small-group support, assist with lesson delivery and behaviour management, monitor progress, and support exam access arrangements where needed.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting learners with SEND, learning difficulties, disabilities, or behavioural needs is desirable but not essential.
• A compassionate, patient, and learner-centred approach is required.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with young people.

Responsibilities

• Learner Support – Provide 1:1 and small-group support to learners with SEND, learning difficulties, disabilities, or additional needs.
• Classroom Assistance – Support teaching staff with lesson delivery, differentiation, and behaviour management.
• Progress Monitoring – Track learner progress, record support interventions, and contribute to support plans.
• Communication Support – Assist learners with communication needs, including those using AAC, Makaton, or BSL (if applicable).
• Pastoral Support – Promote learner wellbeing, independence, confidence, and resilience.
• Exam & Assessment Support – Provide exam access arrangements such as scribing, reading, or invigilation where required.
• Safeguarding & Compliance – Ensure all safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection procedures are followed.
• Collaboration – Work closely with tutors, support teams, and external professionals to ensure consistent, high‑quality support.

Skills

SEND support

Student support

Communication

Behaviour management

Pastoral care

Education

GCSE English and Maths

Job description

Learning Support Mentor / Learning Support Assistant

Location: Stevenage

Contract: Full‑Time

Hourly Rate: £14-£15 per hour

Start Date: September

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and student‑focused Learning Support Mentor / Learning Support Assistant to join our Further Education team. This role is essential in helping learners with a wide range of needs-including SEND, learning difficulties, disabilities, and social/emotional barriers-reach their full potential.

You will work closely with teaching staff, curriculum teams, and support services to ensure learners receive the right level of guidance, encouragement, and personalised support both in and out of the classroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Learner Support - Provide 1:1 and small‑group support to learners with SEND, learning difficulties, disabilities, or additional needs.
• Classroom Assistance - Support teaching staff with lesson delivery, differentiation, and behaviour management.
• Progress Monitoring - Track learner progress, record support interventions, and contribute to support plans.
• Communication Support - Assist learners with communication needs, including those using AAC, Makaton, or BSL (if applicable).
• Pastoral Support - Promote learner wellbeing, independence, confidence, and resilience.
• Exam & Assessment Support - Provide exam access arrangements such as scribing, reading, or invigilation where required.
• Safeguarding & Compliance - Ensure all safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection procedures are followed.
• Collaboration - Work closely with tutors, support teams, and external professionals to ensure consistent, high‑quality support.

What We're Looking For

• Experience supporting learners with SEND, learning difficulties, disabilities, or behavioural needs (desirable but not essential).
• A compassionate, patient, and learner‑centred approach.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with young people.
• Ability to remain calm, supportive, and solution‑focused in challenging situations.
• Good organisational skills and confidence working in a fast‑paced FE environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training (e.g., safeguarding, autism awareness, Makaton, BSL).
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• A genuine passion for helping learners succeed.