Senior Learning Support Assistant

Oaklands College; St Albans; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

Cycle to Work Scheme

Generous holiday allowance

CPD & staff training

Employee Assistance Programme

Eye care vouchers

Disability Confident Employer

Job summary

Oaklands College is seeking a Senior Learning Support Assistant to provide high-quality support to learners with SEND and lead a team of LSAs. You will work with curriculum teams to create an inclusive learning environment and contribute to support planning and safeguarding.

Experience in FE and leading staff, plus a Level 4 qualification in Education or SEND, are desirable. A proactive, collaborative approach will help drive learner success and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Experience supporting learners with SEND and additional learning needs.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting the development of staff.
• Level 4 qualification in Education, SEND, Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience working within a Further Education setting.
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and access arrangements.
• Understanding of current SEND legislation and inclusive learning practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to students with SEND and EHCPs to help them achieve targets.
• Lead, mentor, and support Learning Support Assistants with high standards of learner support.
• Conduct annual appraisals and probation reviews for LSAs.
• Record, report, and monitor student progress and outcomes.
• Coordinate deployment of support staff to meet learner needs.
• Attend EHCP reviews and multi-agency meetings and contribute to planning.
• Maintain accurate records, risk assessments, and learner documentation.
• Promote safeguarding, inclusion, and health and safety across the role.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

IT skills

Relationship building

Staff mentoring

FE experience

SEND legislation knowledge

Education

GCSE English & Maths 4/C

Level 4 qualification in Education/SEND/Leadership

Tools

MS Office 365

Job description

Ready to Make a Difference to Learners Every Day?

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Oaklands College for a passionate and proactive Senior Learning Support Assistant to provide high-quality support to students with additional learning needs and disabilities, while leading and supporting a team of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs).

This is a rewarding role where you will play a vital part in helping learners achieve their goals, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally. If you have experience supporting learners with SEND and enjoy mentoring and developing others, we'd love to hear from you.

Your Day-to-Day Impact

As a Senior Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with students, curriculum teams, and support staff to create an inclusive learning environment where every learner can succeed.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing tailored support to students with SEND, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and medical needs.
• Supporting learners to achieve their individual targets and monitoring progress against agreed outcomes.
• Recording and reporting on student progress, providing feedback to relevant stakeholders.
• Leading, mentoring, and supporting Learning Support Assistants to ensure high standards of learner support.
• Conducting annual appraisals and probation reviews for designated LSAs.
• Monitoring, recording, and reporting staff sickness absence in line with College procedures.
• Carrying out return-to-work interviews and supporting attendance management processes.
• Supporting staff wellbeing, development, and performance management activities.
• Assisting with the recruitment, induction, and training of new Learning Support Assistants.
• Coordinating the deployment of support staff to meet learner needs effectively.
• Attending EHCP reviews, multi-agency meetings, and contributing to support planning.
• Maintaining accurate records, reports, risk assessments, and learner documentation.
• Promoting safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, and health and safety across all aspects of the role.

Qualifications

GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).

Experience

Experience supporting learners with SEND and additional learning needs.

Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting the development of staff.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Good IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft 365 applications.
• Ability to build positive relationships with learners, colleagues, parents/carers, and external agencies.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to supporting learners and staff.
• Level 4 qualification in Education, SEND, Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience working within a Further Education setting.
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and access arrangements.
• Understanding of current SEND legislation and inclusive learning practices.

Your Future Starts at Oaklands

At Oaklands, we care about your wellbeing and development. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, happiness, and success, all within a welcoming, inclusive, and values-driven work environment where your contribution truly matters.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Free access to our on-site gym at the St Albans campus (time restrictions may apply)
• Financial wellbeing support, including savings on beauty treatments, Lambing Weekend, our on-site zoo, travel via the UNO Bus Scheme, and more
• Cycle to Work Scheme, promoting active travel and healthy living
• Generous holiday allowance, giving you the time to rest and recharge
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) with free Adult Community Learning courses and staff training opportunities
• Staff Development Days & Awards, celebrating your achievements and recognising your impact
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Support, including confidential resources and guidance
• Employee Assistance Programme, offering advice and support 24/7
• Mental Health Peer Supporters, for when you just need someone to talk to
• Eye Care Vouchers, supporting your health while working with screens
• Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and we actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds

We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of interest.