At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with diverse learning needs in a dynamic educational environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated FE Support Team making a difference in education.
- Benefits: 35 hours a week, supportive team, and the chance to inspire learners.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about education and supporting diverse learners.
- Why this job: Empower young people and adults to achieve their qualifications and build independence.
- Qualifications: Level 2 in English and Maths; relevant supporting qualification preferred.
LSA Contract - 35 hours a week
Location: the South East (Reading)
Start date: September 2026
Are you an experienced LSA or TA looking for your next role in education?
About the Role
We are looking for an adaptable and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated FE Support Team. In this role, you will work alongside teaching staff to support young people and adult learners across a variety of academic and vocational courses, helping them overcome barriers to learning, build independence, and achieve their qualifications.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support to students with diverse learning needs and EHCPs in classroom, workshop, and practical environments.
- Assist learners with note-taking, organization, task breakdown, and the use of assistive technology.
- Help adapt course materials and activities to suit individual learning styles and abilities.
- Promote student independence, confidence, and positive engagement across the college.
- Collaborate with course tutors to monitor, track, and record student progress and attendance.
What We're Looking For
Qualifications: Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths. A relevant Level 2/3 supporting qualification is desirable.
Experience: Experience working with young people or adults in an educational, care, or youth work setting.
Skills: Excellent communication, patience, flexibility, and a student-centered approach.
Knowledge: Familiarity with FE environments, neurodiversity, or supporting learners with SEND is an advantage.
If you're ready to support learners in their next step in education please get in touch! Because education matters.
LSA - Reading employer: Dovetail and Slate
Dovetail and Slate is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about education. Located in the picturesque Buckinghamshire, we offer a supportive work culture that fosters professional development and encourages lecturers to design creative teaching strategies. With a commitment to student success and a focus on overcoming learning barriers, our team enjoys meaningful engagement and growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land LSA - Reading
✨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 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. 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 LSA - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the LSA - Reading 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, 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
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Dovetail and Slate, 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, 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.
