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- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in their learning and personal development.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Queen Alexandra College, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, wellness support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive community that values every student.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN learners and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 18973 - 20646 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 12 May 2026
Department: Learning Support
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Harborne, Birmingham, UK
Compensation: £18,973 - £20,646 / year
Description: Promote independence for our students through learning and enabling support. Please note the start date for this role will be 1st September 2026.
Key Responsibilities- Learning
- Recognising & Recording progress of students against their targets
- Understand Curriculum area and broad course objectives including the techniques utilised to evidence progress (such as photographs, videos, and witness statements).
- Participate in team meetings
- Adaptable approach to different learning styles of our students
- Understand disability theory & practical implementation of this to engage students in learning
- Adapt styles of communication to develop a positive and constructive learning environment
- Liaise and implement strategies from specialists (IT/SLT/Physio)
- Support communication through the development of your own skills in communication methods (PECs/Makaton/BSL)
- Support Tutors to ensure the classroom environment is suitable for students sensory or support needs
- Support Tutor in the creation and preparation of differentiated resources.
- Personal Tutoring
- Undertake tutorials with your assigned students on a regularly directed basis.
- Agree with your assigned students, a range of targets and review these regularly.
- Attend and participate in the annual and transitions reviews for your students
- Social & Emotional Support
- Recognise the social and emotional needs of our students and adapt your support in line with the agreed strategies to support positive improvements
- Contribute to the development and updating of Positive Support Plans and Risk Assessments
- De-escalate behaviour that challenges in line with the positive behaviour support plan, utilising all training and MAPA techniques where applicable.
- Undertake preventative work to reduce the likelihood of behaviour that challenges.
- Break & Lunch Support
- During unstructured time, support students to ensure ratios and safety are addressed at all times.
- Support the students to engage with their peers or chosen activities.
- Lead and support students during club/ directed study or enrichment activities, sharing your knowledge where applicable.
- Personal Care
- Support students with a range of hygiene needs, including feeding, toileting and changing clothes.
- Ensure the personal care needs are met in line with care plan and performed with respect and dignity.
- Support students to access the full campus and activities, which may require you to push wheelchairs/ guide wheelchair/ sighted guide students.
- General
- Use technology to access information on students to ensure their support needs are met.
- Ability to talk to external professionals, families and careers, where directed to support students
- Participate in personal education, including mandatory and skills development training
- Actively engage with Peer Mentoring for yourself, along with new and existing colleagues.
- Support students to access activities in the community to develop their independence.
QAC complies with Safeguarding guidelines and all appointees are required to have DBS Check and two references.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise- Level 2 – English & Maths (equivalent)
- Experience of working effectively with young adults with barriers to learning
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
- Good IT skills, including word processing, Excel and Microsoft Programmes
- Ability to communicate effectively with young adults with barriers to learning, including those who may present behaviours that challenge
- To have previous experience of SEN learners with moderate to severe learning difficulties and be able to provide the associated curriculum, approaches and strategies.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents, carers, and other external contacts, at all levels, using a variety of media.
- To be able to demonstrate learning strategies as appropriate to people with visual impairment and autism and/or complex disabilities.
- To be familiar with communication methods and access technology as appropriate to learners with visual impairment and other disabilities.
Join our team at Queen Alexandra College! Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has just gone through an exciting rebrand, dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students. The newly structured Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.
Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:
- Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals
- Make a difference to the educational experience of young people
- Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education
- Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence
- Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.
Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate) Academic Year 2024/25
- Access to on site car parking
- Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
- Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
- Access to Education Support
- Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
- QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
- BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
- Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
- Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
- Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off.
- Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
- Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
- Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
- Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
- Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
- Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
- On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
- Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
- Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.
Learning Support Assistant in Birmingham employer: Queen Alexandra College
Contact Detail:
Queen Alexandra College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Queen Alexandra College and understand their 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 employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to special educational needs. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to learning support. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want to hear your passion for helping students with diverse needs!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Learning Support Assistant. We want to see how you can promote independence for our students and adapt to their diverse learning needs.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on any work you've done with young adults who have barriers to learning. We love seeing examples of how you've supported students in similar environments, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
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 exciting opportunity at Queen Alexandra College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Alexandra College
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Learning Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with disability theory and how to adapt your communication styles to support students effectively. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also prepared to make a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with young adults who have barriers to learning. Share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past, especially those with special educational needs. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. During the interview, practice using clear and concise language. If you have experience with communication methods like PECs, Makaton, or BSL, mention it! This will highlight your ability to connect with students and colleagues alike.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of training available, or how they measure student progress. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.