At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in their learning and personal care.
- Company: Orchard Hill College, an Outstanding Specialist College transforming lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension schemes, employee discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with great career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with special needs or caring roles; Level 1 Maths and Level 2 English required.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
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’s 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.
- 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).
- 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 2 years.
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
- 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.
- Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more).
- Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme).
Our Trust The College is an Academy sponsor and established Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in 2013 which is home to 13 special schools. Together Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust provide for over 1500 pupils and students with SEN across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our vacancies page. Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.
As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities. It is an exciting time to be part of OHC and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment. We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.
If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the college directly. Visits to the College in advance of applications are encouraged. Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.
Learning Support Assistant employer: Orchard Hill College
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (OHCAT) is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With a strong commitment to high-quality provision and specialist expertise, OHCAT provides unique opportunities for growth and leadership in the education sector, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable young people across London, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Before your interview, check out Orchard Hill College's website and social media. Understanding their mission and how they support students with special educational needs will help you connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about scenarios where you've supported someone with learning difficulties or disabilities. Be ready to share these experiences in a way that shows how you can promote independence and wellbeing for the students.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you're in the interview, let your enthusiasm for helping students shine through. Talk about why you want to be a Learning Support Assistant and how you can make a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity to chat about it.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with special educational needs shine through. We want to see how much you 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 barriers to learning. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support and empower students.
Follow the Guidelines:Pay close attention to the job description and person specification. We’ll be scoring your application based on how well you meet these criteria, so make sure to address each point clearly in your statement.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Orchard Hill College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Learning Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities, and think about how you can support their independence and wellbeing.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children or adults who have barriers to learning. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to encourage independence and manage behaviours of concern, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
During the interview, express your dedication to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable individuals. Share any relevant training or qualifications you have, and be prepared to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios related to health and wellbeing.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the training and development opportunities available, or how the college supports its staff in promoting student independence. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
