Learning Support Assistant – Orchard Hill College, (Kingston Region)

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. As an LSA you will engage with students during lesson and break times, promoting their independence and communication as directed by the class Lecturer. You will support our students to gain self-confidence and independence through encouragement and reassurance, by supporting the students in accessing a range of home, community, work-related and basic skills learning programmes.

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, as well as a complete understanding of destinations and targets.
• 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.

Key Requirements

• Experience of working within a team.
• Experience of working with or caring for children or adults who have barriers to learning and/or special educational needs.
• Must 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.
• Be able to demonstrate a commitment to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
• Be able to take responsibility for individual and small groups of students, with a range of needs, including behaviours of concern, in different settings.

Rewards & Benefits

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Pension Scheme – you will be enrolled 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 – We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including an Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, and a Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
• Employee Discounts – Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more.
• Other – Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme.