Learning Support Assistant in Alnwick

Northumberland Skills Service [part of Northumberland County Council] is seeking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant who can make a difference within Northumberland. This role is for individuals with experience supporting programmes for Post 16 young people, and will be on a term‑time only basis. It is a fixed term position until 20082027, full time, 37 hours per week.

Role of the Job

Provide support for learners with special educational needs. The LSA will help learners integrate fully into the activities undertaken by other learners in the class and foster progress.

Responsibilities

• Run specific programmes and activities to assist learners’ individual learning and social needs.
• Implement targets in learners’ Individual Education Health Care Plans (EHCP) in liaison with class lecturers.
• Provide learning support in class or in 1:1 situations.
• Develop knowledge of learners’ particular needs and seek advice from lecturers and outside agencies as required.
• Assist in modifying resources as suggested by the Educational Psychologist, other outside agencies, and the lecturer.
• Organise and maintain an inclusive learning environment across the workplace.
• Provide positive reinforcement, praise and rewards to learners.
• Facilitate inclusion in small‑group activities and support interaction between peers.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of working with children with special educational needs in a Post16 setting.
• GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English.
• Level 2 or equivalent qualification recognised by the National Occupational Standards for Supporting Teaching and Learning (NOS‑STL).
• Knowledge and understanding of the different social, cultural and physical needs of pupils.
• Interest in how young people learn and behave.
• Provision of appropriate role models of behaviour in the classroom and school environment.
• Passion for caring about young people, particularly those who find learning and managing their behaviour difficult.
• Training in aspects of SEN (e.g., ELSA, dyslexia).

Successful candidate will undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

What We Offer

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro‑rata for part‑time employees).
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro‑rata for part‑time employees).
• Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses and various national brands.
• Commitment to work/life balance offering flexibility through various schemes including job sharing, flexible working, term‑time only, and compressed hours.
• A range of salary sacrifice schemes are available.

Equal Opportunities

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.

For more information on this role and for an informal discussion, please contact Shona Richardson, Curriculum Lead, on 07813555721.