Learning Support Assistant

The Greater Horseshoe School; Wealden; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent special school in the UK is looking for a passionate individual to support young people with varied and complex needs. You will assist pupils in overcoming learning barriers, create engaging lessons, and foster positive relationships. Ideal candidates should have some experience with children in special educational needs environments and hold relevant qualifications. Exceptional perks include various wellbeing support programs and a comprehensive rewards package.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in an SEN/ASC environment would be advantageous.
• Full UK Driving Licence is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils in overcoming barriers to learning.
• Work 1:1 or in small groups to deliver engaging lessons.
• Build positive relationships to foster independence.

Skills

Support skills

Teamwork

Calm and resilient

Motivated by student success

Openness to learning new skills

Education

Teaching Assistant Level 2 or 3

NVQ Health and Social Care Level 2 or 3

Job description

Overview

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people with varied and complex needs. You'll be helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, celebrating every success, and making a real difference in their education and personal development.

Working alongside our talented teachers, you'll provide vital support in the classroom, working 1:1 or in small groups, preparing learning materials, and helping to create engaging, creative, and inclusive lessons. You'll also play a key role in building positive relationships with pupils, fostering interaction, and promoting independence.

Key attributes

• Calm, engaging, and resilient.
• Able to work well as part of a team.
• Motivated by seeing pupils achieve and grow.
• Open to learning new skills and approaches.
• Experience working with children in an SEN/ASC environment would be an advantage, but it's not essential. If you bring excellent support skills, the right personal qualities, and a genuine passion for helping pupils reach their full potential, we'll provide you with the training and development you need to succeed.

These roles are also a fantastic fit for people with experience in customer-facing industries such as retail, hospitality, or leisure who are looking for a new career that's both meaningful and rewarding.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Teaching Assistant Level 2 or 3
• NVQ Health and Social Care Level 2 or 3
• Full UK Driving Licence (mandatory)

About the school and approach

The Greater Horseshoe School is an independent special school for pupils aged 8 to 18 years old. It is situated in a peaceful woodland setting near Newton Abbot in Devon. Our facilities are complemented by a nearby care farm offering animal care, horticulture and outdoor educational activities alongside academic and vocational programmes.

We are committed to providing the best education for pupils with complex needs, offering a tailored programme that combines a therapeutic approach, outdoor learning, and individual academic and vocational programmes tailored to each student. Everything we do is based on understanding the needs of our students and how we can best support them in achieving positive outcomes.

About Acorn Education

Acorn Education is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

In 2024, Outcomes First Group was certified as a “Great Place to Work” for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake each day knowing your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

Safeguarding and benefits

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll receive an exceptional reward package, including: Life Assurance; Pension scheme with options to increase contributions; “Your Wellbeing Matters” access to mental health support services and physical health checks; and a market-leading Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, with a range of benefits including health, wellbeing, and insurance options, UK/abroad discounts, Cycle to Work and Electric Car schemes, critical illness cover, and Family Growth Support (enhanced maternity/paternity leave and fertility support).

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to a fair, thorough recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. All stages of the compliance process are subject to safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales. This description preserves the essential information while removing extraneous boilerplate.