Learning Support Assistant Apprentices in Stafford

Status / Hours: Fixed Term / 30 hours per week + 1 day a week training (paid) / 37 weeks per year. Apprenticeships include time away from work of around one day per week for training (Training to be held at Cannock or Tamworth – TBC).

Grade: Apprenticeship rate of £12.71 per hour up to the end of Year 1, National Minimum Wage from Year 2 to end of Apprenticeship, Qualified Grade 3 SP12 thereafter subject to successful completion.

Salary: £24,498.91 per annum / full time equivalent £21,212.87 per annum / pro rata.

Location: 3 roles at Rodbaston Campus and 5 roles at Lichfield Campus.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, including barred list information, as this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

As part of safer recruitment practices and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), an online search will be completed for all shortlisted candidates. All gaps in employment will be explored, and references will be sought prior to interview wherever possible. Only completed application forms will be accepted; CVs cannot be considered.

We uphold rigorous safeguarding procedures throughout recruitment, selection and induction, consistent with the expectations set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Safeguarding training is mandatory for all employees and will form part of your induction and ongoing CPD.

Are you passionate about making a positive difference to students’ learning and independence? Our new Learning Support Assistant Apprenticeship is designed to help you do just that while also developing your own skills. South Staffordshire College is looking for caring, motivated, inclusive individuals, keen to complete their Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification to support our learners.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in developing a career in learning support, special educational needs (SEND) or education. You will provide high-quality support for young people and adults who have an Education, Health and Care Plan or a specific learning difference or disability. You should be able to work effectively and imaginatively to support students to take part fully in college life, build confidence, develop independence and achieve their personal and career goals.

You will be a strong team player with a real desire to help young people and adults. You will ideally have some experience, paid or voluntary, of supporting young people or adults with learning differences, disabilities or additional needs.

As an Apprentice you will acquire professional skills and knowledge of SEND, the Education, Health and Care process and complete a professional qualification as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant in around 18 months.

This is an excellent opportunity to join this committed team. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

What you can expect from us - we care about your wellbeing so have several activities all year that provide support. However, time off is also important. We have a generous holiday scheme, the usual Bank Holidays, an additional 5 days at Christmas and 2 ‘ME’ days (where you can have a day off work and do whatever makes you happy) as well as an additional day on campus spent on wellbeing. We have a range of benefits available to all staff including paid time off for emergencies (designed to support carers) and all our policies are enhanced further than statutory requirements. The College also contributes to your pension at a minimum of 20.9% (we contribute more for people in the Local Government Pension Scheme). South Staffordshire College is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community.