At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in various settings.
- Company: Academics Canterbury, dedicated to making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and support from dedicated consultants.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and permanent positions available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or a passion for supporting vulnerable learners.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 29910 £ per year.
Location: Kent
Salary: £93 - £100 per day (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-Time / Part-Time / Long-Term / Permanent Opportunities Available
Academics Canterbury are currently recruiting SEN Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to work within a range of specialist SEN schools and provisions across Kent. We have immediate opportunities available, as well as September 2026 starts for candidates looking to secure their next role ahead of the new academic year.
We are looking for enthusiastic, patient and resilient individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people with additional needs.
The Role:
- Supporting pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs, including Autism (ASC), ADHD, SEMH, MLD and complex needs
- Working on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
- Supporting students both inside and outside of the classroom
- Encouraging engagement, independence and positive behaviour
- Working closely with Teachers, Therapists and Senior Leadership Teams
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Previous experience working with children or young people
- Experience within SEN, education, care, support work, youth work or similar settings (desirable but not essential)
- A positive, proactive and adaptable approach
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners
We Welcome Applications From:
- Learning Support Assistants (LSAs)
- SEN Teaching Assistants
- Support Workers
- Residential Care Workers
- Youth Workers
- Behaviour Mentors
- Sports Coaches
- Graduates considering a career in education
Why Work with Academics?
- Opportunities across a variety of specialist SEN settings
- Flexible and long-term positions available
- Competitive rates of pay
- Dedicated SEN consultant support
- Potential pathways into permanent employment
- Access to local opportunities throughout Kent
Whether you are an experienced Learning Support Assistant or looking to transfer your skills into education, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to discuss current immediate and September opportunities with Academics Canterbury.
SEN Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) - September Starts employer: Academics
Academics Canterbury is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs. With flexible, long-term positions available across various specialist SEN settings in Kent, we offer competitive pay, dedicated support from experienced consultants, and clear pathways to permanent employment, all within a supportive and collaborative work culture that values your contributions and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) - September Starts
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Academics.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Academics!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Academics, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Academics or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) - September Starts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Academics:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Academics! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
