Learning Support Assistant (Complex Care)

Navigators; Wythenshawe; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Navigators is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to deliver person-centred assistance for students with complex care needs in an Alternative Provision setting. You will work within a multidisciplinary team, delivering adapted activities, care routines, and strategies to promote communication, engagement, and wellbeing.

You will support learners with ASD or global delay, using AAC methods and visuals, and contribute to assessments, planning, and safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with SLD and complex care needs.
• Confidence in personal care and medical routines.
• Trained in manual handling and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level support for students with SLD and complex medical/physical needs.
• Implement and monitor personalised care and learning plans.
• Support personal care, feeding, mobility, and medical routines.
• Adapt learning activities for diverse sensory, cognitive, and communication needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families.
• Assist with EHCP reviews and multi-agency meetings.

Skills

Special needs support

Makaton & PECS

AAC communication

Team collaboration

Education

First aid training

Tools

Makaton

PECS

BSL

AAC systems

Job description

Learning Support Assistant (Complex Care)

Learning Support Assistant – Complex Care

Business Area: Atlas

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time, Term Time Only

Exempt from RoA: No

Barring Checks: Adult & Child

Start Date: ASAP

Role Purpose

The Learning Support Assistant plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, person-centred support to students with complex care needs within an Alternative Provision setting. This role ensures vulnerable learners with significant barriers to learning receive tailored educational, physical, and emotional support to access the curriculum, develop independence, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the postholder will lead by example in delivering adapted learning activities, implementing care routines, and using specialist strategies to promote communication, engagement, and well-being. They will also contribute to inclusive practices and collaborate with families and professionals for a holistic support approach.

This role requires a compassionate, skilled, and resilient practitioner committed to safeguarding, inclusive education, and improving life chances for students with complex needs.

Context of Cohort:

Learners have a diagnosis of ASD or Global Delay and sensory needs. Most require support with self and intimate care, transport, and safety in college and the community. They work within pre-KS1 or KS1 curriculum levels for English and Maths, supported by visuals and communication aids. Learners benefit from sensory and well-resourced practical activities, group work for social development, quiet spaces, and 1:1 activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Specialist Student Support:

• Provide high-level support for students with SLD and complex medical/physical needs
• Implement and monitor personalised care and learning plans
• Support with personal care, feeding, mobility, and medical routines

Learning and Engagement:

• Adapt and deliver learning activities for diverse sensory, cognitive, and communication needs
• Use Makaton, PECS, sensory resources, and structured routines
• Encourage independence, communication, and emotional regulation
• Contribute to student progress assessment and record-keeping
• Work with teachers, therapists, and external professionals
• Participate in planning, assessment, EHCP reviews, and multi-agency meetings
• Mentor and support junior staff

Health, Safety, and Well-being:

• Follow safeguarding, health & safety, and medical protocols
• Maintain accurate records of care routines and interventions
• Promote a calm, safe, and inclusive environment
• Implement behaviour support strategies, including positive handling techniques (e.g., Team Teach)

Skills and abilities:

• Specialist knowledge of SLD and complex medical needs
• Adaptability in dynamic and challenging environments
• Effective communication, including AAC methods (Makaton, PECS)
• Empathy and patience for students with limited verbal communication
• Teamwork and collaboration with staff and professionals
• Initiative and problem-solving in adapting materials and strategies
• Organisational skills for managing responsibilities and records
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education
• Resilience and emotional maturity for the demands of the role

Experience and Qualifications:

• Training in manual handling, medical procedures, and behaviour support
• Experience supporting children/young people with SLD and complex care needs
• Confidence in personal care and medical routines
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to inclusive education
• Nurturing, patient, and resilient approach
• Experience with PECS, Makaton, BSL, or AAC systems
• Experience in alternative provision, special school, or PRU
• First aid training
• Knowledge of EHCP processes and support plan writing
• Full UK driving licence, with access to own vehicle

Behaviours and Attitudes:

• Empathy
• Integrity
• Resilience
• Trust
• Authenticity
• Commitment
• Learning
• Respect

Declarations

We aim to create and maintain a safe environment where all young people and adults feel secure and valued. This role involves regulated activity and requires DBS checks, reference checks, and may include online searches as part of the selection process.

We are committed to safeguarding and welcome applications from individuals who share our values.

Learning SupportPersonal CareMoving and handling