At a Glance
- Tasks: Support learners with emotional and behavioural challenges, promoting engagement and personal development.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Term-time hours, training opportunities, and a chance to impact students positively.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, trauma-informed environment.
- Why this job: Be a trusted adult who helps vulnerable learners thrive in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or education support, with a passion for inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are urgently seeking a Learning Support Assistant who would play a frontline role in promoting positive behaviour, strong personal development, and high levels of engagement for learners across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. The role supports learners who are at risk of exclusion or who have disengaged from mainstream education. You will act as a consistent, trusted adult who helps learners feel safe, supported, and able to engage positively in education.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver daily coaching and mentoring sessions, including physical activity‑based routines, reflection activities, and emotional check‑ins.
- Facilitate 1:1 and small group SEMH interventions to build emotional literacy, resilience, and self‑regulation.
- Support learner engagement within KS4 BTEC vocational sessions alongside tutors.
- Model and reinforce positive behaviour, routines, and expectations.
Relationships, Routines & Culture
Support learners to develop coping strategies and habits that promote long‑term success. Build consistent, trusting relationships with learners who may have experienced trauma, exclusion, or instability.
Ideal Candidate
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Youth Work, Education Support, Health & Social Care, Sports Coaching, or a related field.
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH and/or SEND needs.
- Strong understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on behaviour and learning.
- Experience using behaviour management strategies, including de‑escalation, restorative, and relational approaches.
- Experience delivering or supporting mentoring, coaching, or emotional well‑being interventions.
- Up‑to‑date safeguarding training (or willingness to undertake).
- First Aid qualification (or willingness to complete).
Key Qualities & Skills
- Calm, empathetic, and emotionally resilient.
- Confidently engaging hard‑to‑reach learners with authenticity and positivity.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to remain consistent and professional under pressure.
- Resilient, reflective, and solution‑focused.
- Commitment to inclusion, equity, and child‑centred practice.
- Able to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.
This role is ideal for practitioners who want to make a tangible difference to behaviour, engagement, and life chances for vulnerable young people within a trauma‑informed alternative provision setting. If you’re passionate about supporting children in an alternative provision setting and are ready to take the next step in your SEN career, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply now with your CV via the link or email.
Note: Applicants without an enhanced (child only) DBS will not be considered. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
Learning Support Assistant in St Albans employer: Teaching Personnel
At Teaching Personnel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Learning Support Assistants in St Albans. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have access to free training opportunities, including child protection and prevent duty training, empowering you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. Join us in a role where your passion for education and personal growth can thrive, all while working within a compassionate team that values resilience and positive relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to the Learning Support Assistant role. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting learners! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping young people thrive, especially those facing challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Learning Support Assistant role. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially in youth work or education support, and don’t forget to mention your experience with SEMH and SEND needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and how your background makes you a great fit for this role. Be authentic and let your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've successfully engaged with hard-to-reach learners or implemented behaviour management strategies. This will help us see how you can make a tangible difference in our setting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with Key Stage 3 and 4 education, SEMH needs, and behaviour management strategies. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since this role involves working with vulnerable young people, it's crucial to demonstrate your empathy during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported learners or dealt with challenging situations. This will highlight your ability to connect with students who may have faced trauma or instability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations with learners. Think about potential challenges you might face and prepare your responses. For instance, how would you manage a student who is disengaged or exhibiting negative behaviour? Having clear strategies in mind will impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting learners or their training opportunities. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to professional development. Plus, it gives you a chance to gauge if the school’s values align with yours.
