Learning Support Practitioner - SEND

The Education Space; London Borough of Waltham Forest; Remote; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career average pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Enhanced sick pay

NUS Employee discount

Free onsite parking

Cycle to work scheme

Sodexo benefits scheme

Job summary

Waltham Forest College is seeking Learning Support Assistants for the SEND provision to help learners aged 16–24 with EHCPs and learning difficulties. You will facilitate independence and access to learning with strong communication and safeguarding awareness, supporting staff and external agencies.

We are particularly seeking male support for male students who require assistance with personal care, and a minimum Level 2 in English and Maths. Desirable BSL Level 2.

Qualifications

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Empathy and interest in helping learners reach potential.
• Understanding of safeguarding and its importance.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical support to learners aged 16–24 with SEND to facilitate independence and access to learning.
• Support male students who need personal care assistance.
• Maintain positive relationships with learners, teachers and external agencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Patience

Sense of humour

Education

GCSE English and Maths Level 2

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting young people and adults to achieve their full potential, advocating for their additional needs and helping them to breakdown their barriers to learning? Do you have experience of youth work, mentoring or support within a post 16 environment?

Waltham Forest College are seeking to recruit exceptional Learning Support Assistants for the SEND provision to provide practical support to young people, age 16-18 or 19-24 with EHCP and adults with learning difficulties, behaviour barriers to learning and/or physical disabilities to facilitate their independence, access to learning and integration into the life of the College. You will have good communication skills, both verbally and in writing, and have empathy and interest in helping students people fulfil their potential. In addition, you will have the ability to build and maintain good working relationships with learners, teachers and other external agencies and have an understanding of safeguarding and its importance.

We are particularly looking for male individuals to provide support to male students who need assistance with personal care.

You must hold a minimum Level 2 (GCSE Grade D/4 or above) in English and Maths, and ideally, you’ll be up to speed on the SEN Code of Practise and other useful legislation. If you have BSL qualification at Level 2 or above this would be desirable. The most vital attributes are; enthusiasm, flexibility, patience, and a sense of humour!

What’s in it for you?

We offer the opportunity to help develop your skills and knowledge in a friendly team environment, plus a range of benefits including a career average pension scheme, employee assistance programme, enhanced sick pay, NUS Employee discount, free onsite parking, cycle to work scheme and Sodexo benefits scheme.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that better reflects the wider community we support.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of our students and expect everybody working for the College to share this commitment. We actively seek DBS clearance checks for applications of employment as part of our safeguarding procedures. In line with KCSIE 2026 and Safer Recruitment principles the college reserves the right to conduct online searches of shortlisted candidate.

Interview Date: W/C 23 November 2026

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment checks. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to equality of opportunity.