At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs to thrive in their learning journey.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at EKC Folkestone College.
- Benefits: Enjoy no weekends, generous holidays, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible work options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with diverse learning needs is a plus, but training is provided.
The predicted salary is between 15990 - 15990 £ per year.
About the Role
Make a Difference Every Day – Support Students to Succeed! Join our team and help empower young people with additional needs to reach their potential – all while enjoying a work‑life balance that fits around family and personal commitments. We are seeking a compassionate and committed Learning Support Practitioner to join our team at EKC Folkestone College to provide tailored, one‑to‑one and group support to students with high levels of need, studying across a wide range of subjects – from Entry Level to Level 3, including Functional Skills and GCSE English and Maths. You’ll be supporting learners with a variety of learning difficulties and/or disabilities, helping them thrive in the classroom, during work placements, and with any personal care or welfare needs.
In this role, you will:
- Provide inclusive, person‑centred support to students with SEND
- Assist learners in classroom sessions, workshops and enrichment activities
- Offer guidance and encouragement to promote independence and confidence
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff and external professionals
- Support students in achieving their qualifications and progression goals
- Assist with personal care where required (full training provided)
Hours per week: 28 • Weeks per year: 37 • Salary (inc holiday pay): £15,990
What we offer:
- No weekend work
- No night shifts
- All school holidays off
- A rewarding role where you make a daily impact
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Generous and consistent holiday pattern aligned with our academic calendar
- Learning and development opportunities: £7,000 investment into teacher training through our Teaching Academy, annual paid group development days, bespoke training programmes and strong internal progression – 1 in 3 roles are filled internally
- Flexible personal leave for childcare, moving homes and interviews
- Exclusive discounts and perks: restaurant, grocery, retail and holidays discounts, car leasing and tech purchasing schemes, on‑site nursery
- Wellbeing and health support: generous sick pay, counselling services, discounted gym membership at Canterbury College, free eye tests and glasses vouchers, flexible support for medical appointments and return‑to‑work transitions
- Competitive pension scheme – 18% company contribution
- Culture and recognition: community days, annual staff celebration day and commitment to eco‑friendly organisation dedicated to reaching net‑zero by 2030
About You
Ideal experience working with individuals with:
- Visual and/or hearing impairments
- Global developmental delay
- Language and communication difficulties
- Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs
- Sensory or physical needs
As part of the Inclusive Learning Support team, you will:
- Provide one‑to‑one and group support in classroom and workshop settings
- Help students develop confidence, independence, and active engagement in learning
- Collaborate with lecturers and other support staff to ensure a consistent and inclusive learning experience
- Support students' personal care, mobility, and medical/feeding needs where required
- Receive full training to support all elements of the role
Experience in any of the above areas would be an advantage, but full training will be provided for the right candidate. If you are passionate about making a difference and want to support young people in reaching their full potential, we would love to hear from you.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
East Kent Colleges Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of our communities. We are particularly keen to increase the diversity of our staff body and encourage applications from candidates where there is underrepresentation in our workforce. We are proud to hold the Positive About Disability Award and are a Disability Confident Employer. This confirms our commitment to interviewing all applicants who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. With any successful candidate, we will explore any reasonable adjustments to a role due to a health need or disability. We have a commitment to Care Leavers (Care Covenant Pledge) and to current or previous Armed Forces personnel (Armed Forces Covenant Pledge) with a commitment to interview applicants who meet the positions essential criteria and have declared this on their application. We welcome applications from anyone wishing to work flexibly and those considering a return to work from a career break. We do not engage with agencies for permanent staff and have an in‑house recruitment team.
Inclusive Learning Support Practitioner in Folkestone employer: Ashford College
At EKC Folkestone College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values work-life balance and personal commitments. Our inclusive work culture fosters professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, while our generous benefits package includes no weekend or night shifts, a competitive pension scheme, and exclusive discounts. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with additional needs in a supportive and eco-conscious environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inclusive Learning Support Practitioner in Folkestone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at EKC Folkestone College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting students with additional needs. We should think about specific examples from our experience that highlight our skills in promoting independence and confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show our passion for inclusive education! During the interview, let’s share why we care about helping students with SEND thrive. Our enthusiasm can really set us apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we can keep an eye on any updates or new opportunities that pop up.
We think you need these skills to ace Inclusive Learning Support Practitioner in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting students shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of an Inclusive Learning Support Practitioner. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission and can demonstrate how they fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate effectively, as it reflects the kind of support we provide to our students.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford College
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Inclusive Learning Support Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEND and think about how you can provide tailored support. This will show your passion for helping students thrive.
✨Share Personal Experiences
If you've worked with individuals with learning difficulties or disabilities before, be ready to share those experiences. Talk about specific situations where you made a difference, as this will demonstrate your commitment and ability to connect with students on a personal level.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates to support students. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and want to contribute positively to the team.
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Learning Support Practitioner, empathy is key. During the interview, express your understanding of the challenges faced by students with additional needs. Highlight your approach to fostering independence and confidence in learners, as this aligns perfectly with the role's objectives.
