Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant

Grove Full-Time 19000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
O

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support teachers in delivering creative learning experiences for pupils with autism.
  • Company: Join Options Autism, a leading provider of specialist education for children with complex needs.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, pension schemes, and extensive wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive school community.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English at grade C/4 or above; experience in SEN settings preferred.
  • Other info: Be part of a team recognised as a 'Great Place to Work' for five consecutive years.

The predicted salary is between 19000 - 25000 £ per year.

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four? Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent). If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Location: Barton School, Barton-upon-Humber DN18 6DA

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm

Salary: £22,300.00 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract: Permanent; Term Time only

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Barton School is a specialist setting for children and young people with autism, aged 5 to 19. Due to exciting ongoing growth projects, we are expanding our team and are now thrilled to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated and close-knit school community.

About the Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will support our teachers in delivering creative and individualised learning experiences tailored to the unique educational needs of each pupil. Your work will help maximise every pupil’s progress, confidence, and ability to thrive—both in and out of the classroom. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting children with varied and complex needs and is looking to start or continue a rewarding career in education. You will be working in a school that fosters a strong safeguarding culture, where pupils are listened to, respected, and actively involved in their learning journey.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work with individual pupils or small groups to promote engagement and learning
  • Prepare classrooms and materials to meet a range of learning styles
  • Assist in the planning and delivery of creative, tailored lessons
  • Build positive relationships with pupils and staff to support development and well-being
  • Support pupils in developing both academic and life skills in a safe, inclusive environment

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who:

  • Is calm, engaging, and resilient under pressure
  • Works well as part of a supportive and collaborative team
  • Is motivated to make a real difference in the lives of young people
  • Ideally has experience in a Special Educational Needs (SEN) setting or similar environment
  • Holds GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in Maths and English

About Us

Options Barton School provides Specialist Education for pupils of ages 8-19 years with Autism and associated complex needs and behaviours that challenge. Based in Barton Upon Humber, North Lincolnshire, we are within easy reach of Barton, Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Hull and surrounding towns. For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

  • Life Assurance
  • Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
  • “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
  • A market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
  • A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
  • 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
  • Cycle to Work Schemes
  • Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

Learning Support Assistant employer: Outcomes First Group

At Options Barton School, we prioritise the wellbeing of our staff, offering a unique opportunity to work a 4-Day Working Week while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with autism. Our supportive and collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, with access to exceptional benefits including mental health support, flexible working options, and a commitment to safeguarding. Join us in a rewarding environment where your contributions truly matter, and be part of a team recognised as a 'Great Place to Work' for five consecutive years.
O

Contact Detail:

Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with autism and complex behaviours. Understanding their unique challenges will help you demonstrate your passion and suitability for the role during any informal discussions or interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network with current or former Learning Support Assistants, especially those who have worked in SEN settings. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even refer you internally, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your approach to building positive relationships with pupils and staff. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with children or contributed to a supportive team environment.

Tip Number 4

Research Options Barton School and its ethos. Being able to articulate why you want to work there and how you align with their values will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role, making you a more attractive candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant

Empathy
Communication Skills
Patience
Teamwork
Adaptability
Creativity in Lesson Planning
Understanding of Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Behaviour Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Build Relationships
Organisational Skills
Resilience under Pressure
Motivation to Support Young People
Knowledge of Child Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with children or in special educational needs settings. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children with autism and complex needs. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Learning Support Assistant role.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your GCSEs in Maths and English, as well as any additional qualifications or training related to special education. This will help you stand out as a qualified candidate.

Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your calmness, resilience, and ability to work collaboratively. Provide examples of how you've built positive relationships in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group

Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Learning Support Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of pupils with autism and complex needs.

Show Your Passion

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for supporting children with varied needs. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives, as this role is all about fostering engagement and confidence.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations in the classroom. Think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported students or resolved conflicts, and be ready to explain your thought process.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the school culture, support systems in place, and how they measure success for their pupils. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

O
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>