Learning Support Assistant (SEN) - 20/25 hpw TTO

These roles are to work with our Next Steps provision which offers full-time study programmes for students with special educational needs (SEND) or those needing a supported environment to build independence, work skills, and foundational English and maths.

The provision in Next Steps provides a supported learning environment for young people working towards post-16 qualifications and employment. Next Steps provides courses for young people at Entry Levels 1-3 and up to Level 1 for the work-based programmes. A wide range of support is provided to ensure that individual needs are met, both in the classroom, around the college and on work placement should it be required. Next Steps courses are taught in small group sizes.

Learning Support duties within this environment include:

• Purpose of Job: The primary purpose of this post is to support learners with additional support needs as an effective member of the Learning Support Team.
• Principle Accountabilities:
• a) Ensure learners with additional support needs are effectively supported in learning activities in the College and/or community and that adequate records of support are maintained to a high standard.
• b) Communicate effectively with individual learners to clarify additional support arrangements prior to the commencement of learning activities.
• c) Adopt a range of strategies to enable each learner to become more independent in the classroom, workshop, learning centre, College and community.
• d) Assist with personal care needs according to the individual learner’s stated requirements.
• e) Administration of medication within college procedures and following appropriate training.
• f) Other personal care support including toileting, changing and bathing. This will include lifting following appropriate training using specialist equipment.
• g) Communicate effectively with teaching staff to clarify individual learners' additional support arrangements prior to the commencement of learning activities.
• h) Assist teaching staff in the preparation, modification/adaptation and development of learning materials and resources for individual learners.
• i) Maintain the confidentiality of information given on/from individual learners in line with College policy and procedures.
• j) Provide additional support on an individual basis to enable learners to participate in chosen social, recreational, leisure, sports and voluntary activities.
• k) Actively contribute to the development of the Learning Support Service as an effective team member, collaborating with other members of the team to provide high standards of service within the College, to schools, external agencies and the wider community.
• l) Be familiar with the rights/responsibilities of employers/employees under current Health and Safety legislation.
• m) To comply with all College Policies and Procedures in particular those relating to Finance, Personnel, Health and Safety, and Equal Opportunities.
• n) To perform such other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as required by the Principal & Chief Executive.

Safeguarding Statement: Child protection is the responsibility of all staff. The College will therefore:

• Encourage and maintain an environment where students feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to.
• Ensure students know that there are staff in the College whom they can approach if they are worried.
• Include opportunities in the curriculum for students to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse.
• All staff will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding induction and training.