Learning Support Assistant 1416 Alternative Provision in Crawley

We are recruiting a Learning Support Assistant for a genuinely unique 14-16 education provision in Worthing. This isn't a traditional secondary school environment. It has a much more relaxed, welcoming feel, with smaller groups, strong relationships and a real focus on helping young people re-engage with education.

The young people are aged 14 to 16 and may have found mainstream education difficult for a variety of reasons. Some may need additional support with behaviour, engagement, confidence, emotional regulation or simply rebuilding a positive relationship with school.

The role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you'll work closely with pupils and teaching staff to provide both academic and pastoral support. Your day could include:

• Supporting pupils in lessons on a 1:1 or small-group basis
• Helping young people stay engaged and focused
• Building positive, trusting relationships
• Supporting pupils through difficult or challenging moments
• Encouraging confidence, independence and positive choices
• Working alongside teachers and pastoral staff
• Helping create a calm, supportive and inclusive environment

Because of the nature of the setting, this role is particularly well suited to someone who enjoys working with teenagers but prefers a smaller, more relationship-led environment than a large mainstream school.

What we're looking for

You don't necessarily need years of classroom experience. We're interested in people who are:

• Calm and approachable
• Patient and resilient
• Confident working with teenagers
• Good at building rapport
• Able to set clear boundaries without being confrontational
• Genuinely interested in helping young people succeed

Previous experience as a Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Youth Worker, Mentor, Support Worker or Pastoral Support Worker would all be relevant. Experience with SEMH, SEND, challenging behaviour or alternative provision would be useful, but the right attitude and personality are just as important.

Why this role stands out

This is one of those settings that feels different as soon as you walk through the door. It's smaller, less formal and much more focused on relationships than a typical secondary school. The environment gives staff the chance to properly get to know the young people they support and make a noticeable difference day to day.

For someone who enjoys supporting teenagers but doesn't necessarily want the feel of a large mainstream school, it could be a really good fit.

Location: Worthing, West Sussex

The full job description covers all associated skills, previous experience, and any qualifications that applicants are expected to have.

Safer Recruitment

Pink Tile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to our safer recruitment procedures, including identity and right-to-work checks, an enhanced DBS check, barred list checks where applicable, satisfactory references and a full employment history review. Any gaps in employment will need to be explained as part of the registration process. All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of these checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

If this sounds like the kind of environment you'd enjoy working in, apply with your CV and we'll talk you through the role and the setting in more detail.