At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners in their educational and personal care journeys, promoting independence and wellbeing.
- Company: Orchard Hill College, a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Pathways for progression, pension schemes, employee wellbeing support, and discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a vibrant community await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience with diverse learners and a commitment to safeguarding required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are looking for Learning Support Assistants (LSA) to support learners through their educational, personal care and therapy programmes, ensuring students' 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 including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
- Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more).
- Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme).
Learning Support Assistant – Orchard Hill College, Southwark 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 – Orchard Hill College, Southwark
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college and its values! Research Orchard Hill College and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting their learners.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current LSAs or staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about job openings before they're advertised.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about scenarios where you've supported someone with barriers to learning. We all love a good story, so share your experiences that highlight your skills and commitment!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community and ready to make a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant – Orchard Hill College, Southwark
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting learners shine through! We want to see how much you care about helping students achieve their goals and gain independence.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with individuals who have special educational needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Follow Instructions:Pay close attention to the application guidelines. If we ask for specific information or formats, make sure you stick to them. It shows us that you can follow directions, which is super important in this role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s easy peasy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Learning Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how to support students with special educational needs and barriers to learning. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children or adults who have additional needs. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, whether through encouragement, reassurance, or promoting independence. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Prepare by thinking about how you would handle various situations, such as supporting a student struggling with a task or managing behaviours of concern. This shows your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
As an LSA, you'll be part of a team, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, especially in educational settings. Also, be prepared to discuss how you would communicate effectively with both students and lecturers to ensure everyone is on the same page.
