Learning Support Assistant

SMART Education Recruitment; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART Education Recruitment is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist post-16 education environment across four college sites in the North East. You will help students develop confidence, independence and employability through tailored support and guidance.

The role involves travel between Newcastle upon Tyne, Blyth, Wallsend and Sunderland, with a consistent Monday to Thursday pattern. Start date is November 2026, with a long-term supply contract for the full academic year.

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.
• 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.
• Previous FE, specialist colleges, supported internships, or employability settings advantage.

Responsibilities

• 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

LSA experience

SEND experience

English & Maths L2

Functional Skills

Behaviour management

Patience & communication

Adaptable & reliable

Team player

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification

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

Are you passionate about helping young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) develop their confidence, independence and skills for the future?

This is an outstanding opportunity for you to join a specialist post-16 education environment as a Learning Support Assistant. You will help students thrive, develop essential life and employability skills, and actively shape their future success through meaningful support and guidance.

Your work will be both varied and rewarding, spread across four college locations, supporting students aged in a supported internship and employability programme. If you are motivated by making a real difference and working closely with inspiring young people, this role is for you.

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

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:

• 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.

If you re enthusiastic about supporting young people to achieve their goals and ready to take the next step in your career as a Learning Support Assistant, we would love to hear from you.