Learning Support Assistant SEN School in Wantage

Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ

Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (£13.25 per hour) (not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Are you passionate about supporting young people to succeed, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential? Join New Barn School and play a vital role in transforming the lives of autistic pupils through meaningful, personalised support.

We’re looking for enthusiastic, compassionate Learning Mentors to become part of our dedicated team — individuals who want more than just a job and are ready to make a real difference every single day.

New Barn School, part of Options Autism, is seeking caring and committed Learning Mentors to support our pupils with autism and complex SEND needs.

As a Learning Mentor, you’ll be at the heart of each pupil’s journey — helping them access learning, build independence, and develop the confidence they need to thrive both academically and emotionally. You’ll provide consistent, personalised support within a structured, nurturing environment where every achievement is celebrated.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys building positive relationships, working collaboratively, and supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning.

• Support autistic pupils with complex SEND to access learning and build confidence
• Deliver personalised, hands-on support tailored to individual learning needs
• Work collaboratively with teachers and the multidisciplinary team to embed a therapeutic, pupil-centred approach
• Support communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and behaviour
• Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and provide feedback to teaching staff

Requirements:

• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Experience working within a SEND setting, ideally supporting autistic pupils
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people
• Experience supporting autistic pupils or working within a SEND environment is highly desirable.

If you’re ready to inspire, support, and help pupils achieve their potential, we’d love to hear from you. New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits include:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.