Learning Support Assistant in Kingston upon Thames

Working Pattern: 36 hours per week, Term Time only (36 working weeks), 8.45 am – 4.30 pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45 am – 4.15 pm on Friday.

Orchard Hill College is an Outstanding Specialist College (Ofsted, April 2025) offering life‑changing learning opportunities to young people and adults with a range of special education needs and/or disabilities. We operate vibrant community‑based College Centres across London and Surrey, where committed specialist teams deliver a variety of programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Students who study with us have a wide range of needs including profound and multiple learning disabilities, communication and behavioural difficulties and specific medical needs. All students are individual, and their learning programme is designed to support and empower them to achieve their aspirations and goals, whilst developing skills to become more independent members of their community.

We are looking for Learning Support Assistants (LSA) to support learners through their educational, personal care and therapy programmes, ensuring student health and wellbeing is maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the mentality that students can and do achieve.
• Follow instructions and guidance from the Classroom Lecturer to provide support for students reinforcing their learning and constant promotion of independence.
• Encourage students in all areas of the curriculum, to progress to their chosen career destination, gain greater independence in the home and promote community‑based learning.
• Positively support the health and wellbeing of learners by following the guidelines for individual support, care needs and medical interventions (including basic first aid and administration of PRN medications such as EpiPen).
• Follow the Health and Safety policy and procedures to ensure the safety of learners and staff at all times.
• Work within a team.
• Work with or care for children or adults who have barriers to learning and/or special educational needs.
• Hold Level 1 Maths and Level 2 English qualifications or be willing to enrol on a functional skills course within your first year of employment and complete the course within two years.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
• Take responsibility for individual and small groups of students, with a range of needs, including behaviours of concern, in different settings.

Qualifications

• Level 1 Maths qualification or equivalent.
• Level 2 English qualification or equivalent.
• Willing to enrol on a functional skills course if required.
• Experience in a team environment.
• Experience caring for individuals with learning or disability needs.
• Commitment to safeguarding.

Benefits

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Enrolment in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Home Electronics Scheme).
• Employee Wellbeing – access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working and enhanced parental leave, including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
• Employee Discounts – Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, discounts for teachers.
• Other – Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme.

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff, and partners.