At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Parkside House School, a leading SEMH independent special school.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic reward package, including mental health support and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths; compassion and enthusiasm for helping others.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
This role does not offer sponsorship. At Parkside House School, we believe every young person deserves the chance to flourish — to discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and feel proud of who they are. We’re seeking a passionate Learning Support Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated team, where every day is an opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of our pupils.
About the Role
This is more than just a classroom role — it’s a chance to change lives. As a Learning Support Assistant, you’ll play a key part in helping pupils with additional needs engage with learning, overcome challenges, and achieve their personal best. You’ll work side-by-side with teachers and tutors to provide tailored support, nurture positive relationships, and build a classroom environment where every child feels valued, understood, and inspired to succeed. Each day brings new opportunities to spark curiosity, celebrate progress, and watch young people grow in independence, resilience, and confidence.
What You’ll Do
- Empower students – Provide tailored one-to-one and group support to help pupils build confidence and independence.
- Build connections – Develop positive relationships that nurture personal, social, and emotional growth.
- Support learning – Work with teachers to deliver engaging lessons and adapt activities to suit individual needs.
- Foster inclusion – Help create a welcoming, inspiring environment where every pupil feels valued and motivated.
- Ensure wellbeing – Follow safeguarding and school policies to keep every child safe and supported.
What We’re Looking For
- You’ll be someone who is compassionate, patient, and enthusiastic about helping young people succeed.
- Thrives in a supportive, team-focused environment.
- Has an interest in working with pupils with autism or additional learning needs.
- Holds GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
- Has a full UK driving licence – this role may involve supporting across both our school sites in Backworth and Ashington.
About Us
Welcome to Parkside House School, an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Independent Special School with sites in Backworth and Ashington. We provide specialist teaching, small class sizes, bespoke timetables, and a nurturing, friendly environment for pupils aged KS2 Year 6–KS5. Our school supports students with SEMH needs and associated learning difficulties, including autism, ADHD, attachment disorders, and oppositional defiance disorder. Pupils thrive academically, socially, and personally, guided by a passionate, experienced team dedicated to unlocking their potential.
We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why join Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. 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
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
- A market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Learning Support Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Parkside House School
Contact Detail:
Parkside House School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Parkside House School and understand its values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life examples of how you've supported students in the past. Be ready to discuss your experiences with compassion and patience, as these qualities are key for a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Parkside House School.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the past or how you plan to empower students in this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and needs of Parkside House School. Highlight your experience with pupils who have additional learning needs and how you can contribute to their growth and success.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so that we can easily see your qualifications and passion for the 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 this fantastic opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkside House School
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what a Learning Support Assistant does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like providing tailored support and fostering inclusion. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
Since this role requires a compassionate and patient approach, think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've helped young people overcome challenges. Be ready to share stories that highlight your ability to build positive relationships and support students with additional needs.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to supporting pupils with SEMH needs or how they foster a nurturing environment. This shows your genuine interest in the school and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
As a Learning Support Assistant, you'll be working closely with teachers and other staff. Highlight your experience in team settings and how you thrive in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team’s success, especially in educational or support roles.