Learning Support Practitioner in Newmarket

We are recruiting a compassionate and dedicated Learning Support Practitioner to join the Prison Education team at HMP Highpoint. As a Learning Support Practitioner, you will play a vital role in supporting learners with additional learning needs, helping them overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve their educational goals. Working closely with tutors, vocational trainers and prison staff, you will provide tailored support that enables learners to fully engage with education and develop the skills needed for successful rehabilitation, progression and future employment. This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about inclusion, learner development and making a genuine difference to people's lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive and supportive relationships with learners to understand their individual needs
• Provide tailored one-to-one and in-class support for learners with additional learning needs, including disabilities and neurodiverse conditions
• Support learners to develop confidence, independence and self-advocacy skills
• Encourage engagement, attendance and achievement across education programmes
• Monitor learner wellbeing and conduct regular progress reviews
• Develop and maintain individual support plans aligned to learner needs
• Review and update support plans to reflect learner progress and changing requirements
• Utilise assessment tools and learner information to identify effective support strategies
• Support learners transferring between establishments to ensure continuity of support
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date learner records and documentation
• Work collaboratively with tutors, trainers and prison staff to ensure appropriate support is in place
• Promote a whole-prison approach to supporting learners with additional learning needs
• Liaise with healthcare teams, neurodiversity specialists and other stakeholders where appropriate
• Support the implementation of reasonable adjustments for learning and assessment activities
• Advocate for inclusive learning practices across the education provision
• Maintain safe, inclusive and engaging learning environments
• Ensure all support activities comply with safeguarding, prison security and contractual requirements
• Contribute to quality assurance processes and continuous improvement activities
• Support achievement of contractual targets and learner outcomes
• Maintain professional boundaries and high standards of confidentiality

Essential Criteria

• GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at Grade C/Level 4 or above
• Experience supporting learners with SEND or additional learning needs
• Good understanding of effective support strategies and the SEND Code of Practice
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage a learner caseload and maintain accurate records
• Good IT and administrative skills
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Passion for supporting learners to overcome barriers and achieve their potential

Desirable Criteria

• Level 3 qualification in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities or willingness to achieve
• Experience working within prison education, secure settings or adult learning environments
• Knowledge of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF)
• Experience supporting learners with neurodiversity needs
• Understanding of rehabilitation and education within custodial settings

Additional Information

• Role based on site at HMP Highpoint
• Subject to enhanced DBS clearance and prison vetting
• Opportunity to contribute directly to learner success, rehabilitation and progression
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities available