Learning Support Assistants

Activate-Learning-1; Reading; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time schedule

LGPS pension scheme

Free eye tests

Wellbeing toolkit

Blue Light Card discounts

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

Activate Learning’s Reading College is seeking dedicated Learning Support Assistants to help students with SEND both in and out of the classroom, including learners with autism, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and mental health needs. You will work alongside tutors to provide 1:1 and small-group support, help students access the curriculum, and develop independence and life skills.

This fixed-term role runs until July 2027 with term-time hours (35, 28, or 21 per week) from 8:30am

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above.
• Experience working with young people or adults with SEND is desirable.
• Commitment to inclusion and safeguarding.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEND.
• Assist students to access the curriculum and achieve their learning goals.
• Support development of independence, life skills and employability.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Adapt resources and approaches to meet individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with tutors and support services.
• Attend and complete relevant training including personal care and medication where needed.

Skills

Patient

Empathetic

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Education

GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above

Job description

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Learning Support Assistants

Reference: OCT20263233

Expiry date: 23:59, Tue, 17th Nov 2026

Location: Reading

Benefits: Term time only, LGPS pension scheme, and access to other great benefits

Activate Learning is looking for dedicated, enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated Learning Support Assistants to join our team at Reading College, support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Our college is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for young people and adults with a range of additional needs. As part of our dedicated support team, you will play a key role in helping students achieve independence, confidence, and success in their education and future pathways.

About the Role as an LSA:

You will work closely with teaching staff to support students both in and out of the classroom. This may include supporting learners with autism, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEND (This could range from entry level to GCSE’s and Level 3 courses)
• Assist students to access the curriculum and achieve their individual learning goals
• Support the development of independence, life skills, and employability skills
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Adapt resources and approaches to meet individual needs
• Work collaboratively with tutors and support services
• Support students with personal care and medication requirements where needed as part of the Learning Support Assistant role
• Attend and complete relevant training, including personal care, medication, and manual handling training

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (until July 2027)with the potential to be extended or made permanent.

Working Pattern: We are recruiting for a range of term-time only positions, with the addition of two weeks staff training at the beginning and end of the academic year. Contracted hours available are 35, 28 and 21 hours per week, between the hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm.

What we're looking for

• Experience working with young people or adults with SEND (desirable but not essential)
• Minimum GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above.
• A patient, empathetic, and positive approach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students
• Flexible, proactive, and able to work as part of a team
• Commitment to inclusion and safeguarding

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and want to join a supportive, learner-centred team, this is an excellent opportunity to begin or further your career in education. You’ll work within a vibrant college environment where your contribution plays an important role in supporting student success and wellbeing.

What we offer

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to develop throughout your career with us. As part of the Activate Learning team, you’ll have access to:

• Annual leave entitlement is pro-rated according to working hours.
• Free eye tests
• Dedicated Wellbeing Toolkit; Your wellbeing. Your way. Support when you need it.
• Blue Light Card; access to a range of discounts and offers
• Access to LinkedIn Learning; develop new skills and explore learning at your own pace
• Learning and development opportunities; access to a range of professional development, training and career development opportunities to help you grow and progress

Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group committed to transforming lives through learning.

We provide a wide range of education and training, including Further Education, Higher Education, adult education and apprenticeships, supporting learners at different stages of their education and careers.

At the heart of everything we do is our award-winning Learning Philosophy, which shapes how we teach, support our learners and work together as colleagues. Our approach is built around three simple principles: Feel Safe, Find Purpose and Make Progress.

We recognise that everyone has a different starting point, experience and ambition. We work with our learners as individuals, helping them build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to progress.

As a colleague, you'll be part of a supportive and inclusive organisation where learning, development and making a positive difference are central to what we do.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

We welcome applications from all candidates who meet or exceed the minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or ethnicity. We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible.

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please contact the Talent Team.

Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check due to exposure to hazardous conditions.

Activate Learning does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies. Agencies working with our Talent Team must be part of our Preferred Supplier List (PSL).