Senior Learning Support Assistant [HH8071]

Chichester College; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 16,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading further education college in Haywards Heath is looking for a Senior Learning Support Assistant. This role involves providing in-class and out-of-class support to students with additional needs, mentoring Learning Support Assistants, and ensuring effective communication with curriculum staff. The ideal candidate will have experience working with students with disabilities and strong communication skills. The college offers flexible working arrangements and a vibrant environment for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

25 days annual leave

Discount schemes

Family friendly policies

Continuous professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working with students with disabilities, additional learning needs, or emotional/behavioural challenges.
• Ability to build positive relationships with learners, staff, and families.
• Flexible and proactive approach to challenges.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted in-class and out-of-class support to students.
• Coordinate support strategies and liaise with curriculum staff.
• Mentor and oversee LSAs, providing day-to-day guidance.

Skills

Experience with students with disabilities

Strong communication skills

Excellent organisational skills

Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality

Job description

As a Senior Learning Support Assistant (SLSA), you will play a vital role in ensuring the success of learners who require additional support, particularly those with EHCPs or other identified needs. This role combines hands‑on classroom support with leadership, guidance, and mentoring of the wider Learning Support Assistant team. Senior LSAs conduct the same duties as other LSAs and, in addition, will work in a curriculum area acting as the liaison between teaching staff, the LSAs and the students. You will also provide an advisory, monitoring and support role to assist other LSAs, dealing with day‑to‑day issues reported by LSAs and the development of support strategies for students. As a Senior LSA, you will:

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted in‑class and out‑of‑class support to students.
• Lead on the planning and coordination of support strategies.
• Act as the link between curriculum staff, LSAs, and students to ensure consistent and effective support.
• Guide and mentor LSAs by providing day‑to‑day advice, overseeing timetables, and supporting their professional development through probation, reviews and appraisal.
• Help ensure that the team maintains high standards of documentation and compliance, such as through accurate EHCP reviews, Learner Passports, and access arrangements.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience as an LSA who is ready to take the next step in responsibility and leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students with disabilities, additional learning needs, or emotional/behavioural challenges.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build positive, respectful relationships with learners, staff and families.
• Excellent organisational skills and a flexible, proactive approach.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and working in a professional, inclusive environment.

Working Environment

Working in a vibrant and inclusive further education college is an inspiring experience. Our staff have a relentless focus on delivering outstanding teaching, learning and support, where you'll encounter a diverse student body, a positive atmosphere, ample support services, innovative teaching methods, community engagement and a celebration of individual differences. It's an environment that fosters personal growth and collaboration, to change lives through learning.

Flexibility

We actively encourage applications from those seeking part‑time roles, job shares, or other flexible working arrangements. Whether you're balancing caring responsibilities, pursuing personal goals, or simply seeking a healthier rhythm between life and work, we're here to support you. Our roles are designed with adaptability in mind and at the heart of our people strategy is a commitment to an inclusive environment where different ways of working are not only accommodated but celebrated. The working pattern for this role will be discussed at interview.

Salary and Hours

Pro rata of £27,785 to £30,364 per annum (i.e. £13,892.50 - £15,182) 18.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme – the Group contributes 20.4% of your actual pensionable pay.
• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 28 days in line with continuous service, plus bank holidays and college closure days over the Christmas period which are not deducted from annual leave entitlement and a wellbeing day. Plus the opportunity to purchase up to 5 days additional leave.
• Discount schemes – including discounts on shopping, restaurants, travel and onsite facilities such as our gym and First Steps Childcare nurseries (specific campuses only).
• Family friendly policies – including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay (depending on continuous service).
• Continuous professional development opportunities – including development days, funded apprenticeships and access to a range of other courses and activities.