At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEND in their academic and life skills development.
- Company: Aspire People, a dedicated education agency focused on SEND.
- Benefits: Earn from £14 per hour, enjoy full-time hours, and receive ongoing training.
- Other info: Flexible start dates and opportunities across various educational settings.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND or related fields; passion for helping others is key.
The predicted salary is between 13.5 - 16.5 £ per hour.
Are you passionate about supporting young people with SEND and helping them develop the skills, confidence and independence they need for the future? Aspire People are working with a specialist SEND college in the St Helens area that is looking for dedicated Learning Support Assistants to join their team on a long-term, full-time basis.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a unique setting where the focus goes beyond academic achievement. Students are supported to develop life skills, independence, confidence and employability skills, helping them prepare for their next steps beyond education.
A College That Supports the Whole Student
The college provides a highly supportive environment where every student receives 1:1 support, allowing them to receive personalised guidance based on their individual needs, abilities and goals. Alongside academic support, students have the opportunity to develop practical and vocational skills through a range of dedicated facilities and activities, including:
- On-site Café: Students can develop communication, teamwork, customer service and practical workplace skills through the college's own café.
- Woodwork & Practical Skills: Students are supported to develop practical skills, confidence and independence through hands-on activities such as woodwork.
- Landscaping & Outdoor Skills: The college provides opportunities for students to gain experience in landscaping, gardening and maintaining outdoor spaces.
- Dedicated Animal Centre: Students can develop responsibility, communication and practical skills through animal care within the college's dedicated animal centre.
These opportunities are designed to help students discover their strengths, build confidence and develop valuable skills that can support them in further education, employment and independent living.
What Will You Be Doing?
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will provide individualised 1:1 support to students throughout the college day. Your role could include:
- Providing dedicated 1:1 support to students with SEND
- Supporting students with their academic learning and development
- Helping students access practical and vocational activities
- Supporting communication, confidence and social development
- Encouraging independence and life skills
- Supporting students within the café, animal centre, workshops and outdoor areas
- Helping students develop employability and preparation-for-adulthood skills
- Supporting emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour
- Working closely with teachers and the wider support team
- Helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their individual goals
The Wider Site
As well as the college, there are linked primary and secondary SEND settings on the same site, providing further opportunities for Learning Support Assistants and SEND Teaching Assistants. If working with younger pupils is more suited to your experience, there are opportunities to support students across the primary and secondary provisions, also providing individualised SEND support. This makes the site an excellent environment for anyone looking to build or develop a career within special educational needs and disability (SEND) education.
We’re Looking For
We’re keen to hear from people who are:
- Experienced in SEND, education, care, support work, youth work or similar environments
- Patient, compassionate and resilient
- Confident supporting young people on a 1:1 basis
- Passionate about helping students develop independence
- Comfortable getting involved in practical and vocational activities
- Positive and adaptable in their approach
- Strong communicators who enjoy working as part of a team
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Previous SEND experience is highly desirable, but transferable experience from care, residential, youth work or support settings will also be considered.
The Role
Position: Learning Support Assistant
Setting: Specialist SEND College
Location: St Helens
Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Contract: Long-term, full-time
Pay: From £14 per hour
Start: September 2026, with flexible start dates throughout the first half term
Why Work with Aspire People?
- Pay from £14 per hour
- Full-time, long-term opportunities
- Dedicated consultant specialising in SEND education
- Access to free SEND-specific CPD and training
- Opportunities across college, secondary and primary SEND settings
- Consistent working hours of 8:30am-4:30pm
- Support throughout your placement
- Refer-a-Friend bonus - £100 for Teaching Assistants and £250 for Teachers*
Make a Real Difference Every Day
This is more than a traditional Learning Support Assistant role. You’ll have the opportunity to support young people academically, socially, practically and emotionally, helping them develop the skills they need to become as independent and confident as possible. If you’re looking for a rewarding, long-term SEND role where you can genuinely get to know your students and support them to reach their full potential, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more about these Learning Support Assistant opportunities in St Helens.
Learning Support Assistant in Rainford employer: Aspire People
Aspire People is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development for educators. Located in the vibrant community of Welwyn, our school provides a unique opportunity to inspire students in Business Studies and Economics while enjoying competitive salaries and a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments.
