Learning Support Assistant - Secondary

Step Teachers; Walmersley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational recruitment agency in the UK is seeking a Learning Support Assistant for a secondary alternative provision in Bury, Greater Manchester. The role involves supporting young people with emotional and behavioral challenges. Candidates should have experience working with secondary-aged students and a calm, caring demeanor. The position offers competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Equal pay to permanent staff after 13 weeks

DBS refund after 20 working days

Free CPD and wellbeing support

£100 Refer‑a‑Friend bonus

Personal guidance from a local SEN specialist consultant

Qualifications

• 3+ months of experience working with secondary-aged young people, especially in SEMH settings.
• A caring and calm approach when dealing with challenging situations.
• Strong communication skills to build rapport with students.

Responsibilities

• Support students 1-1 and in small groups with behavior and learning tasks.
• Deliver interventions to support gaps in core subjects.
• Collaborate with teachers for consistent support.
• Build positive relationships to help students feel safe and engaged.

Skills

Experience with secondary-aged young people in SEMH settings

Good communication skills

Ability to build trust quickly

Job description

Learning Support Assistant - Secondary | Alternative Provision | Bury / Greater Manchester

Start: After Half Term - October 3rd or ASAP after that

Pay: Up to £105/day depending on exp (PAYE)

Hours: Full-time, Mon‑Fri, around 8:45am‑2:45pm (term time)

Contract: Temp‑to‑Perm opportunity

We're working with a secondary alternative provision in the Bury area that supports young people aged 11‑16 who struggle in mainstream school due to SEMH needs. It's a setting that gives students a second chance - offering smaller classes, hands‑on learning, and pathways that respond to their interests. Pupils often join partway through Key Stage 3 or 4, and the aim is to help them rebuild confidence, close gaps in their learning, and find routes into further education or training.

We need someone upbeat, patient and real - someone who can connect with young people, help them feel listened to, and support them to engage in school again. You'll work in a team that cares about more than results: you'll be helping shape futures by helping students feel safe, seen, and able to learn.

As a Learning Support Assistant, you'll:

• Work 1‑1 and in small groups to support students with behaviour, emotional regulation, and learning tasks
• Help deliver interventions or support sessions to plug gaps especially in core subjects or reading/writing
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to keep things consistent and fair across all settings
• Build positive, respectful relationships so pupils feel supported to try, fail, and succeed

What you'll need:

• Some experience (3+ months) working with secondary‑aged young people, especially in SEMH or similar settings
• A caring, calm approach; someone who listens, adapts, and stays composed when things get tough
• Good communication; able to build trust quickly

What's in it for you:

• £95/day PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
• Equal pay to permanent staff after 13 weeks
• DBS refund after 20 working days
• Free CPD, wellbeing support, and staff perks
• £100 Refer‑a‑Friend bonus
• Personal guidance from a local SEN specialist consultant with lots of experience

Requirements:

Enhanced DBS (or willing to get one), 2 recent references, right to work in the UK, photo ID & proof of address, CV with full 10‑year history.

📞 Contact Graham Warner at Step Teachers (Manchester)

📩 Apply now to be part of a team that helps young people in Bury re‑engage, grow, and find their way again