At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in achieving their educational goals.
- Company: Join a vibrant college community dedicated to inclusivity and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time only work, LGPS pension, and fantastic staff perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours, ongoing training, and opportunities for professional growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career in education.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above; experience with SEND is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Activate Learning is recruiting dedicated, enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join our team at Banbury College, supporting students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). Our college is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for young people and adults with a range of additional needs. As part of our dedicated support team, you will play a key role in helping students achieve independence, confidence, and success in their education and future pathways.
About the Role as an LSA:
- You will work closely with teaching staff to support students both in and out of the classroom. This may include supporting learners with autism, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEND (This could range from entry level to GCSE’s and Level 3 courses)
- Assist students to access the curriculum and achieve their individual learning goals
- Support the development of independence, life skills, and employability skills
- Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Adapt resources and approaches to meet individual needs
- Work collaboratively with tutors and support services
- Support students with personal care and medication requirements where needed as part of the Learning Support Assistant role
- Attend and complete relevant training, including personal care, medication, and manual handling training
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (from August 2026 until July 2027) with the potential to be extended or made permanent.
Working Pattern: We are recruiting for a range of term-time only positions, with the addition of two weeks staff training at the beginning and end of the academic year. Contracted hours available are 35, 28 and 21 hours per week, between the hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm.
What do you need to be a successful Learning Support Assistant at Activate Learning?
- Experience working with young people or adults with SEND (desirable but not essential)
- Minimum GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above.
- A patient, empathetic, and positive approach
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build trusting relationships with students
- Flexible, proactive, and able to work as part of a team
- Commitment to inclusion and safeguarding
If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and want to join a supportive, learner-centred team, this is an excellent opportunity to begin or further your career in education. You’ll work within a vibrant college environment where your contribution plays an important role in supporting student success and wellbeing.
What We Offer:
- A supportive and inclusive college community
- Ongoing training and professional development in SEND and specialist support
- Development opportunities within the role can include access to relevant training and apprenticeship pathways, including Level 3 Teaching Assistant programmes.
- Opportunities to develop your career within further education
- A rewarding role where you can make a real difference to students’ futures
Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:
- Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
- Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing
- Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
- Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
- Pension Schemes: Local Government pension schemes for AL staff
- Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave
- Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
- On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.
Equal Opportunities: Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level. Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.
Empowering Learning Support Assistant (SEND) in Banbury employer: Activate-Learning-1
Activate Learning is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive college community in Banbury where you can make a meaningful impact on students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including a Local Government pension scheme, and a vibrant work culture that celebrates staff achievements, this role as a Learning Support Assistant provides a rewarding opportunity to grow your career while helping students achieve their goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Empowering Learning Support Assistant (SEND) in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Research Activate Learning and understand their commitment to inclusivity and support for students with SEND. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former LSAs at Activate Learning on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life scenarios. Be ready to discuss how you've supported individuals with SEND in the past or how you'd handle specific situations. This will demonstrate your empathy and problem-solving skills, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Activate Learning family. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Empowering Learning Support Assistant (SEND) in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with SEND shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it’s not directly related to education. We love seeing how your unique background can contribute to our inclusive environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Activate-Learning-1
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Familiarise yourself with different types of SEND, the challenges students face, and how you can support them effectively. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and empathy in previous roles. Whether it's working with young people or in any supportive capacity, highlight your ability to connect with individuals and understand their needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving students with SEND. Think about scenarios where you might need to adapt your approach or support a student facing challenges. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available, the team dynamics, or how they measure success for students with SEND. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.