At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with learning and self-care needs while assisting teaching staff.
- Company: Join a dynamic college dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, wellness support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and great career progression in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.
- Qualifications: Level 2 English and Maths, experience with individuals with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 10290 - 10290 £ per year.
Salary: £10,290 Actual / £25,343 FTE (£12.61 Per Hour)
Hours: 18 hours per week / 38 weeks per year (term time only)
Working pattern: Monday - Wednesday / 8:50am - 3:10pm
Location: Newbury College Campus
Closing date: 7th June 2026
Start date: ASAP
Do you want to be part of a dedicated and friendly team that helps young people with complex learning, behaviour and physical difficulties to blossom and achieve? We are looking for caring and enthusiastic individuals to join our Foundation Learning team and help us to create opportunities that transform lives. This is an excellent start to a career in education, with fully funded staff development and progression opportunities that include teaching, management and leadership routes.
As a Foundation Learning Support Assistant, you will work directly with students to provide support with learning valuable life skills and managing their self-care needs, as well as assisting teaching staff in maintaining a safe learning environment.
In this role you will:
- Work directly with students to support them in developing valuable life skills, managing their self‑care needs, and assisting teaching staff in maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
- Provide dedicated 1:1 support to specific students, enabling you to build strong rapport and trust, or support groups of students with similar needs and requirements.
You will be supported by a wider team who will help you develop and implement effective strategies tailored to each student’s needs.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Empathetic, caring, and patient, with a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Innovative and adaptable, able to adjust your approach to meet the unique needs of each student.
- Trustworthy and dependable, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
- A strong team player, able to work collaboratively with staff, families, and external professionals.
- Confident working 1:1 with individuals, building positive and supportive relationships.
- Able to adapt work practices and implement strategies tailored to each learner’s needs.
About Newbury College and University Centre Newbury:
We are a dynamic further and higher education institution located in the heart of West Berkshire, recognized for our forward-thinking approach and commitment to student success. Our campus is a hub of creativity and innovation, and our mission is "creating opportunities to transform lives", which we achieve through unparalleled support for our students and ongoing professional development for our staff. By joining us, you will be part of a team dedicated to making a significant impact in the community.
What we offer:
- Financial Benefits: Competitive salary reflective of experience and commitment to educational excellence; Generous Pension Scheme
- Health and Wellness: Occupational Sick Pay Scheme; Occupational Maternity Pay Scheme; Wellbeing support through an Employee Assistance Scheme and other activities and facilities
- Professional Development: Development opportunities through workshops, training, and courses; Professional development tailored to further qualifications and career advancement
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible working options to ensure a healthy balance between professional and personal life
- Campus Amenities and Discounts: Free onsite parking; Access to a corporate discount scheme; Discounts on hair and beauty treatments at the Newbury College salon; Good value food and drink at the Street Café; Discounted childcare at the on-site nursery for staff (operated by a third party)
Criteria
Essential Criteria:
- A minimum of Level 2 (GCSE) English and Maths or equivalent
- Experience of working with individuals who have additional needs in a personal or professional setting
- Working or personal experience of supporting young people with additional needs in all aspects of daily life
- Ability to communicate with a range of individuals including Parents / Carers
- Attention to detail
- Basic computer skills
- Empathic, caring, innovative, trustworthy, patience
- Team player
- Ability to work 1:1 with an individual
- Ability to adapt work practice to meet needs of individual
Desirable Criteria:
- Level 2 Health and Social Care
- Manual Handling
- Care Certificate
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Healthcare
- Social Care
- Domiciliary Care
- Childcare
- Level 2 Functional IT
If you are excited about the prospect of making a significant impact in SEN, we would love to hear from you. We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the set closing date if we receive a good level of applicants. To avoid disappointment, we would advise that you complete your application in full, rather than saving and returning to complete at a later date.
Support Assistant - 18 Hours in Newbury employer: Newbury College
Contact Detail:
Newbury College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant - 18 Hours in Newbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Newbury College through LinkedIn or social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Support Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting individuals with additional needs. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the job description, so you can showcase your empathy and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, express why you want to work in education and how you can contribute to transforming lives. Share specific examples of how you've supported others in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dedicated team at Newbury College.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Assistant - 18 Hours in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with individuals who have additional needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand and directly related to the job.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newbury College
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Support Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around supporting students with additional needs. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since this role requires a caring and patient approach, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve demonstrated empathy and adaptability, as these qualities are crucial for success in this position.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. This means really paying attention to the interviewer’s questions and responding thoughtfully. It’s a great way to demonstrate your communication skills and your ability to connect with others, which is key for a Support Assistant.