At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adult learners with Additional Learning Needs in a secure education environment.
- Company: Join a progressive Prison Education team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and the chance to impact lives positively.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of personal rehabilitation journeys and help learners gain confidence.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; Level 3 in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities preferred.
The predicted salary is between 26227 - 26227 £ per year.
Location: Stradishall, Newmarket (HMP Highpoint area)
Salary: £26,227.50 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
The Opportunity
Are you a compassionate, motivated individual with a passion for helping learners overcome educational barriers? Do you want to use your support skills to make a genuine, daily difference in a secure education environment? We are recruiting for a dedicated Learning Support Practitioner to join a progressive Prison Education team in the Stradishall area. In this deeply rewarding role, you will work alongside tutors and education specialists to provide tailored 1-to-1 and in-class assistance to adult learners with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). By helping learners develop independence, self-advocacy, and academic confidence, you will play a central part in their personal rehabilitation journey.
What You Will Be Doing
- Tailored Learner Support: Build positive, trusting relationships with learners to deliver personalised 1-to-1 and in-class support, catering specifically to individuals with ALN, neurodiverse conditions, or physical disabilities.
- Support Planning & Reviews: Develop, maintain, and regularly update course-specific support plans using assessment tools (such as the Do It Profiler) and alignment with the SEND graduated approach.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with tutors, prison healthcare teams, and neurodiversity specialists to champion a whole-prison approach to inclusion and assist with reasonable adjustments for formal assessments.
- Accurate Record Keeping: Manage and log all support documentation, student progress reviews, and transfer data accurately within Ministry of Justice (MoJ) systems.
- Safe Learning Environments: Help maintain safe, engaging, and inclusive workshop or classroom environments while ensuring strict adherence to prison security, safeguarding, and contractual standards.
What We Are Looking For
- Qualifications: GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at Grade C / Grade 4 or above. A Level 3 qualification in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities is desirable (or a willingness to achieve one).
- Experience: Proven experience supporting individuals with SEND or additional learning needs. Prior experience working within adult learning, FE, or secure prison environments is advantageous.
- Sector Knowledge: Good understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, effective learning strategies for ALN students, and awareness of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF).
- Core Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, solid IT literacy, excellent administration capability, and the ability to manage a caseload independently.
Important Notice
We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Dovetail and Slate Ltd (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003. We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.
Learning Support Practitioner employer: Dovetail and Slate Ltd
Dovetail and Slate Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation within the apprenticeship sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous professional development opportunities while making a meaningful impact on learners' lives in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a balance of work and life, fostering both personal and professional fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Practitioner
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Dovetail and Slate Ltd just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Dovetail and Slate Ltd. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Learning Support Practitioner role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Dovetail and Slate Ltd, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail and Slate Ltd
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Dovetail and Slate Ltd, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Dovetail and Slate Ltd, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
