Learning Support Practitioner

Dovetail and Slate; Newmarket; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Dovetail and Slate Limited is looking for a Learning Support Practitioner in the Stradishall area to support adult learners with ALN and SEND within a prison education setting.

You will work with tutors and education specialists to deliver personalised 1-to-1 and classroom assistance, helping learners build independence, self-advocacy and academic confidence on their rehabilitation journey.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above are required.
• Experience supporting individuals with SEND or ALN.
• Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice and EIF.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1-to-1 and in-class support to adult learners with ALN/SEND.
• Develop and update course-specific support plans using assessment tools.
• Collaborate with tutors, prison healthcare teams, and specialists to support inclusion.
• Maintain accurate records of progress and documentation in MoJ systems.
• Create safe, engaging learning environments while adhering to security and safeguarding standards.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

IT literacy

Administration

Caseload management

Education

GCSE Maths & English Grade C/4+

Level 3 qualification in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities

Job description

Job Title: Learning Support Practitioner

Location: Stradishall, Newmarket (HMP Highpoint area)

Salary: 26,227.50 per annum

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

Are you a compassionate, motivated individual with a passion for helping learners overcome educational barriers? Do you want to use your support skills to make a genuine, daily difference in a secure education environment?

We are recruiting for a dedicated Learning Support Practitioner to join a progressive Prison Education team in the Stradishall area. In this deeply rewarding role, you will work alongside tutors and education specialists to provide tailored 1-to-1 and in-class assistance to adult learners with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). By helping learners develop independence, self-advocacy, and academic confidence, you will play a central part in their personal rehabilitation journey.

What You Will Be Doing

• Tailored Learner Support: Build positive, trusting relationships with learners to deliver personalised 1-to-1 and in-class support, catering specifically to individuals with ALN, neurodiverse conditions, or physical disabilities.
• Support Planning & Reviews: Develop, maintain, and regularly update course-specific support plans using assessment tools (such as the Do It Profiler) and alignment with the SEND graduated approach.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with tutors, prison healthcare teams, and neurodiversity specialists to champion a whole-prison approach to inclusion and assist with reasonable adjustments for formal assessments.
• Accurate Record Keeping: Manage and log all support documentation, student progress reviews, and transfer data accurately within Ministry of Justice (MoJ) systems.
• Safe Learning Environments: Help maintain safe, engaging, and inclusive workshop or classroom environments while ensuring strict adherence to prison security, safeguarding, and contractual standards.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualifications: GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at Grade C / Grade 4 or above. A Level 3 qualification in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities is desirable (or a willingness to achieve one).
• Experience: Proven experience supporting individuals with SEND or additional learning needs. Prior experience working within adult learning, FE, or secure prison environments is advantageous.
• Sector Knowledge: Good understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, effective learning strategies for ALN students, and awareness of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF).
• Core Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, solid IT literacy, excellent administration capability, and the ability to manage a caseload independently.

Important Notice

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

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Because education matters.

Dovetail and Slate Limited.

Because education matters.