Senior Learning Assistant

Kisimul Group Limited; Thorney, Retford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel reimbursed

Job summary

Calman College (Thorney, near Peterborough) is seeking a Senior Learning Assistant to support autistic young people with complex learning needs in an integrated educational setting. This role focuses on aiding learners and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team.

You will co-ordinate remote learning programmes and advise tutors and college leaders on learner progress and engagement. Travel is reimbursed; the post is mainly based in our Adult service in Retford.

Qualifications

• Committed to raising aspirations and achievements of pupils with complex needs.
• High expectations for education outcomes and attainment.
• Previous classroom experience in a specialist school is essential.
• Good communication with students and colleagues, and high expectations.
• Strong organisational skills and classroom management.
• Resilient, creative and consistent in supporting individual needs.

Responsibilities

• Observe pupils' performance and use school systems to evaluate learning activities and progress.
• Assist with designing and carrying out programmes by a multi-disciplinary team.
• Provide small group or teaching cover for assigned pupils.
• Mentor and support new staff with induction and competencies development.
• Support pupils to manage behaviour in line with identified plans.
• Support pupils to develop their communication skills.
• Take on tasks such as medication, first aid, inductions, rotas, lunch-time coordination.
• Complete documentation and reports within set timeframes and coach staff to develop their knowledge.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Classroom management

Organisational skills

Resilience

Creativity

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification

Equivalent experience

Job description

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 Role

SENIOR LEARNING ASSISTANT

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

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?

Role

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 Assurance
• Genuine 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