Learning Support Assistants

Job Introduction

Northumberland Skills Service [part of Northumberland County Council] is seeking to appoint four Learning Support Assistants who can make a difference within Northumberland.

The role is for individuals with experience in supporting programmes for Post 16 young people and will be on a Term Time only basis.

Fixed Term until 04/07/2026

Working Pattern - 1.5hrs per day, Mon-Fri to cover lunchtimes. (7.5 hrs per week)

Role of the Job

• To support a relevant and accessible programme of learning opportunities (courses, workshops etc) for learners on an Education Programme for Young People with SEN, focusing on support for the development of basic skills and vocational learning.
• To develop the support in partnership with lecturing team. To assist and support learners with special educational and general learning needs.
• The Learning Support Assistant's (LSA) main role is to provide support for learners with special educational needs.
• The LSA will ensure that the learner can integrate as fully as possible in the activities generally undertaken by the other learners in the class and make progress.
• Duties will include running specific programmes and activities to assist the learners' individual learning and social needs.
• The LSA will be responsible for implementing the targets on the learners' Individual Education Heath Care Plan (EHCP) in liaison with the class lecturers.
• To provide learning support for learners in class or in 1:1 situation.
• To develop knowledge of the particular needs of the children and seek advice from the class lecturer and outside agencies as required.
• To assist in the making or modify resources as suggested and advised by the Educational Psychologist or other outside agencies and the lecturer.
• To organise and maintain an inclusive learning environment across the whole environment.
• Provide positive reinforcements, praise and rewards to learners. Facilitate inclusion in small group activities with peers and support interaction between them.

Applicants for the position need to have:

• Have experience of working with children with special educational needs in a Post 16 setting
• Have GCSE, 'O' Level or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English.
• Have NVQ2 or equivalent as recognised by the National Occupational Standards for Supporting Teaching and Learning (NOS-STL).
• Have knowledge and understanding of the different social, cultural and physical needs of pupils.
• Have an interest in how young people learn and behave.
• Provide appropriate role models of behaviour both in the classroom and around school
• Care passionately about young people, particularly those who find learning and managing their behaviour difficult.
• Have training in aspects of SEN, i.e. ELSA, dyslexia.

The successful candidate to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

Why choose us?

We have some outstanding benefits to offer you, including:

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands
• Commitment to work/life balance offering flexibility through various schemes including job sharing, flexible working, term-time only, and compressed hours
• A range of salary sacrifice schemes are available

Further information

For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes here.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.

Alternative application format:

British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-

For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial

Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.