At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with learning and self-care needs in a positive environment.
- Company: Join Newbury College, a dynamic institution dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a friendly team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.
- Qualifications: Level 2 English and Maths, experience with additional needs, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 17150 - 17150 £ per year.
Hourly Rate: £17,150 Actual / £25,343 FTE (£12.61 Per Hour) Pro Rata
Hours: 30 hours per week / 38 weeks per year (term time only)
Contract: Fixed Term for 4 months
Working pattern: Monday - Friday / 8:50 - 15:10
Location: Newbury College Campus
Closing date: 8th May 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 - Fixed Term 30 Hour in Newbury employer: Newbury College
Contact Detail:
Newbury College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant - Fixed Term 30 Hour in Newbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those at Newbury College. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Support Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting individuals with additional needs. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role – we want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with the hiring team, let them know why you care about helping young people with complex needs. Your enthusiasm can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Newbury College.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Assistant - Fixed Term 30 Hour 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 quickly.
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 complex 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 built trust and rapport, as this is crucial for working 1:1 with students.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The job description emphasises the need for innovation and adaptability. Think of instances where you’ve had to adjust your approach to meet someone’s unique needs. This will show that you can tailor your support effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, or how they measure success in supporting students. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.