At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with Special Educational Needs in a vibrant college environment.
- Company: Join Activate Learning, a supportive and inclusive college community.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time only work, LGPS pension, and fantastic employee perks.
- Other info: Ongoing training and career development opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them achieve their goals.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above; experience with SEND is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ 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.
Learning Support Assistants in Banbury employer: Activate-Learning-1
Activate Learning is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive college community in Banbury where Learning Support Assistants can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities, generous annual leave, and a range of wellbeing resources, all while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Join us to be part of a vibrant team dedicated to fostering independence and success for learners with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistants in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Learning Support Assistants and ask about their experiences. They might have insider tips or even know about unadvertised positions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for LSAs. Think about how your skills align with supporting students with SEND, and be ready to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, express why you want to work in this role and how you can make a difference in students' lives. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistants in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Learning Support Assistant. We want to see your passion for supporting students with SEND, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Empathy:In your written application, let us know about your compassionate approach. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in the past, as this is key to being a successful LSA at Activate Learning.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and gives you access to all the information you need about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Activate-Learning-1
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what a Learning Support Assistant does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and challenges of supporting students with SEND. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your compassionate approach. Share examples from your past experiences where you've supported individuals with additional needs. Highlight your patience and ability to build trusting relationships, as these are key qualities for this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think about situations where you had to support a student facing challenges. Prepare to discuss how you would handle various scenarios, such as promoting positive behaviour or assisting with personal care.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available, the team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.