Learning Support Assistant – Apprenticeship x20

£24,392.36 - £25,594.40 including London Weighting Allowance

Term Time only, 40 weeks per year

Who we are

United Colleges Group provides education to over 11,000 learners a year, including 16–18-year-olds, adults, apprentices, and students with high needs, across our five campuses and two colleges; City of Westminster College and College of North West London. The Cockpit Theatre also forms part of the Group. With an annual turnover of over £50m, we are one of the top 20 largest college groups in the UK. We offer education and training in almost all vocational areas at a variety of levels for a wide range of learners of all ages and starting points. Our mission is to provide all our learners with the very best knowledge and to break down any barriers to learning. We pride ourselves on enabling our learners to meet their individual needs and aspirations and delivering a learning experience that is inclusive, supportive and empowering.

About the role

We are seeking a Learning Support Assistant – Apprentice to join our Additional Learning Support (ALS) and Supported Learning (SPL) team within Student Services. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and who wishes to develop a career in learning support while gaining a recognised qualification. In this role, you will support learners on a 1:1 and small group basis, both in and out of the classroom, helping them to access the curriculum, build independence and achieve their learning goals. You will work closely with lecturers, support teams and external professionals to deliver high-quality, student-focused support in line with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Individual Support Plans. Your duties will include supporting learners during lessons, catch-up and revision sessions, exam access arrangements, enrichment activities and college events. You may also provide lunchtime support, pastoral support and, where required, personal care. A strong focus of the role is promoting inclusion, positive behaviour, self-esteem and independence for learners with SEND. As an apprentice, you will attend all scheduled training days, complete off-the-job training, and apply new skills and knowledge in practice. Applicants who do not already hold English and Maths at Level 2 will be required to achieve these prior to completing the End Point Assessment.

About you

We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic and student-focused individual who is committed to supporting young people with additional needs. You will have GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above in English and Maths, experience of working with or supporting young people with learning needs, and an understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2014) is essential. You will be well organised, confident using IT systems (including Microsoft Office), and able to build positive, professional relationships with learners and colleagues. A genuine interest in SEND, a commitment to inclusion and equality, and the emotional resilience to work with challenging behaviour are key to success in this role. Teaching Assistant or SEND-related qualifications, or a degree in a relevant subject, are desirable but not essential.