Learning Support Assistant - Dorchester

eTeach UK Limited; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 6,000 - 16,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Dorchester is seeking Learning Support Assistants to support students with special educational needs. Candidates will assist in both classroom and practical learning environments, particularly outdoor education involving animals and agriculture. Various working hours are available, and a strong adaptability and experience with young adults is necessary for success in this role.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Employee discounts

Access to free gym

Free confidential emotional support

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with young adults aged 16+ is essential.
• Ability to assist with various outdoor activities and education.
• Experience with special educational needs and disabilities is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support learners with theory and practical learning.
• Assist with activities outside the classroom, such as working with animals.
• Provide essential learning support to students with SEND.

Skills

Experience with young adults

Adaptability

Interest in animals

Confidence in challenging situations

Job description

About your role

We have an exciting opportunity for Learning Support Assistants to join our team. Kingston Maurward is an established land‑based education provider looking for Learning Support Assistants to support our learners with theory and practical learning. The ideal candidates need to have previous experience and confidence working with young adults age 16+, particularly those who may exhibit challenging behaviours.

We are a land‑based college and our learners undertake practical sessions as well as classroom‑based theory learning. You will need to have an adaptable approach to assist with activities outside the classroom such as working with animals, on a construction site, in the blacksmithing workshop, in the gardens or joining outdoor education during a fitness session. Experience or an interest in animals, floristry, construction, agriculture, horticulture or outdoor education is desirable but not essential.

Learning Support Assistants provide essential learning support to students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), particularly those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). They help students develop independence and achieve their full potential.

So, if you share our values and have the ambition to join us on our journey to continued success, we would love to hear from you.

Hours: Various contracts available from 12 hours (2 days) to 30 hours (5 days). This position is term‑time only. You will work 36 weeks and receive payment for 41.22 weeks which includes the annual leave entitlement. Your paid weeks will increase by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 30 days. This entitlement will be pro‑rated for any part‑time position.

Salary: Depending on the contracted hours the salary will be:

• 12 Hours – £6,212.29
• 18 Hours – £9,318.44
• 24 Hours – £12,424.59
• 30 Hours – £15,530.73

This is scale point 17 – £24,229 FTE.

Who we are

Coastland College is a General Further Education College spread across two campuses – one situated on the stunning Jurassic coastline in Weymouth and the other on a beautiful 18th Century Estate near the market town of Dorchester. As a newly united organisation, we’re bringing together the best of both Weymouth College and Kingston Maurward College to create an even stronger learning experience, with enhanced resources, a broader range of courses and industry‑standard facilities.

We are Connected | We are Courageous | We are Dynamic | We are Empowering | We are Welcoming.

With our combined expertise and resources, Coastland College is now one of the most dynamic and versatile further education providers in the region. From A‑Levels to vocational courses and land‑based studies to Apprenticeships, we have one purpose: to inspire our students and apprentices for individual success beyond expectation, ensuring that they are future‑ready and prepared for today and tomorrow’s world.

Our supportive and dedicated community of staff place our students at the heart of everything they do, ensuring every learner thrives.

What we offer

Whatever your reasons for wanting to join our college community, we promise you a warm welcome and a highly supportive, flexible approach to your work – designed to help you reach your full potential. We also offer many great benefits, all with the aim of supporting your health, wellbeing and personal development:

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 holiday days, plus bank holidays (pro‑rated for part‑time roles)
• Generous Pension Scheme through either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) / Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) depending on your role
• Access to Care First – our FREE confidential emotional support and practical advice scheme
• Dedicated CPD learning days to support learning and development
• Family friendly policies
• A person‑centred annual appraisal focusing on your wellbeing and CPD
• Free on‑site parking
• Free on‑site gym
• Employee discounts at on‑site facilities such as Signature Hair & Beauty Salon, The Avenue Restaurant and The Bay Theatre
• Wide range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives to support staff including Corporate Eyecare voucher scheme, free and confidential staff counselling and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders

The important bit

Coastland College is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and so an online search will be conducted for the successful candidates. All new employees to the College are required to complete and obtain an enhanced DBS disclosure. A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the College website.

Please see our Job Description, Person Specification and Conditions of Service for more information about the role and what it’s like to be part of our team.