Senior Learning Assistant

Kisimul Group Ltd.; Retford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Life Assurance

Professional development

Full funded DBS checks

Job summary

Calman College urgently seeks a Senior Learning Assistant to support autistic young people with complex learning needs in an integrated educational setting. The role involves co-ordinating remote learning programmes and advising tutors and leaders on learner progress and engagement, with travel to various sites as required.

Based in our Adult service in Retford, you will contribute to a supportive team, mentor new staff, and help manage behaviour plans while developing learners' communication

Qualifications

• This role requires commitment to helping learners with complex needs and autistic profiles.
• A proactive, autonomous approach and the ability to adapt teaching support strategies.

Responsibilities

• Observe pupil progress and feedback on learning activities.
• Assist with designing and delivering programmes by a multi-disciplinary team.
• Provide small group or classroom cover as required.
• Mentor new staff and support induction and skill development.
• Support pupils to manage behaviour in line with plans.
• Help develop communication skills for learners.
• Take on essential tasks such as medication, first aid, inductions and rostering.
• Document and report within set timeframes and coach staff.

Job description

This role will require co-ordination of remote learning programmes and advice to tutors and leaders at the college in respect of learner progress and engagement, and candidates will need to demonstrate a level of experience reflective of the autonomy required to use initiative and adapt approaches. Previous experience of supporting adults and young people with learning disabilities and who are autistic would be essential. Travel will be required (reimbursed) as part of the role.

Salary - £22307.10 - £25889.37 (DOE)

This role will require co-ordination of remote learning programmes and advice to tutors and leaders at the college in respect of learner progress and engagement, and candidates will need to demonstrate a level of experience reflective of the autonomy required to use initiative and adapt approaches. Previous experience of supporting adults and young people with learning disabilities and who are autistic would be essential. Travel will be required (reimbursed) as part of the role.

This role mainly will be based in our Adult service in Retford.

About The College

Welcome to Calman College, an independent specialist college providing further education for young adults with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs, including behaviours of concern. It offers a range of bespoke programmes for learners at our college based in Thorney, near Peterborough.

Due to continued organisational growth and development opportunities for our current staff, we are recruiting for Senior Learning Assistant.

About the position

As a Senior Learning Assistant, you will be key in supporting autistic young people with complex learning needs in an integrated educational setting. This is a challenging role, but the rewards are incomparable to any other job.

This role will require co-ordination of remote learning programmes and advice to tutors and leaders at the college in respect of learner progress and engagement, and candidates will need to demonstrate a level of experience reflective of the autonomy required to use initiative and adapt approaches. Previous experience of supporting adults and young people with learning disabilities and who are autistic would be essential. Travel will be required (reimbursed) as part of the role.

What will you be doing?

• Observing pupils' performance and use school systems to evaluate learning activities for individuals and groups providing feedback on pupil progress.
• Assisting with designing carrying out programmes devised by a multi-disciplinary team.
• Providing small group or teaching cover activity with assigned pupils.
• Mentor, role model and support new staff with induction and competencies development.
• Appropriately support pupils to manage their behaviour in line with identified plans and processes.
• Support pupils to develop their communication skills.
• Take on responsibility for additional and essential support tasks, such as medication, first aid, inductions, rotas, lunchtime co-ordination.
• Complete documentation and reports within set timeframes and mentor and coach staff to develop their knowledge and skills.

About You

What experience and qualifications do you need?

Ideally you will have a relevant Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent experience in working in a similar role, but more importantly:

• Committed to raising the aspirations and achievements of pupils with complex needs.
• Have high expectations for education outcomes, of what can be achieved and a proven track record in raising pupil's attainment.
• Previous classroom experience is essential, being enthusiastic and demonstrating a keen interest to work within a specialist school environment.
• Model good classroom practice, have good communication skills with both students and work colleagues, and have high expectations.
• Have good organisational skills and be able to take responsibility for managing the classroom during non-contact sessions or absence of the class teacher.
• Resilient, creative and consistent in managing positive supportive individual needs of our students.

What will you get in return?

• Small class sizes
• A supportive team around you who will be ambitious for the school, the pupils and you
• Professional development and ongoing training
• Pension
• Life AssuranceGenuine career development opportunities for those who want them.
• A beautiful home and grounds to work within.
• Full funded DBS checks

Starting rates are effective from 1st September 2026

About Kisimul Group

Kisimul Group Ltd are a group of independent specialist schools and adult provisions providing exceptional residential care and award-winning education to children, young people and adults with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, severe and complex learning difficulties, global development delay and associated challenging behaviour.

Kisimul is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Kisimul is committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality for all.

All applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS Check.

Kisimul Group Ltd is an equal opportunities employer