LSA - Alternative Provision - Colchester

Prospero Teaching; Colchester; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Prospero Teaching in Colchester is seeking a dedicated Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to support students with additional needs in a Colchester-based Alternative Provision. You will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to help students engage with the curriculum and build confidence.

The ideal candidate will be patient, empathetic, and resilient, with strong communication skills. Relevant qualifications are helpful but not essential; DBS checks apply. Immediate start available.

Qualifications

• Experience with children or young people, particularly those with SEMH, SEND, behavioural, or additional learning needs.
• A patient, empathetic, and positive approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Resilience and confidence when working with challenging behaviours.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• Qualifications or training in education, childcare, youth work, or support work would be advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with a range of additional needs.
• Assist learners in accessing the curriculum and completing learning activities.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with students to encourage engagement and progress.
• Support the management of behaviour in line with the school's policies and restorative practices.
• Help create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, parents/carers, and external agencies where appropriate.
• Encourage the development of students' social, emotional, and personal skills.

Job description

Learning Support Assistant (LSA)

Alternative Provision Setting

Colchester, Essex

Competitive Salary (dependent on experience)

Full-Time | Term Time Only

Start Date: ASAP

Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of young people who need additional support to achieve their potential?

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a welcoming Alternative Provision in Colchester. This is a rewarding opportunity to support students who may have experienced barriers to mainstream education and require a more personalised approach to learning. Working closely with teachers and pastoral staff, you will play a vital role in helping students engage positively with education, develop confidence, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with a range of additional needs.
• Assist learners in accessing the curriculum and completing learning activities.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with students to encourage engagement and progress.
• Support the management of behaviour in line with the school's policies and restorative practices.
• Help create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, parents/carers, and external agencies where appropriate.
• Encourage the development of students' social, emotional, and personal skills.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working with children or young people, particularly those with SEMH, SEND, behavioural, or additional learning needs.
• A patient, empathetic, and positive approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Resilience and confidence when working with challenging behaviours.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• Relevant qualifications or training in education, childcare, youth work, or support work would be advantageous but are not essential.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on young people's lives.
• A supportive and experienced team environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A rewarding role where every day brings new challenges and successes.
• Immediate start available.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references in line with safer recruitment practices.

If you are committed to helping young people overcome barriers and achieve success, we would love to hear from you.