Lead Learning Support Assistant in Grays

Empower student achievement as our Lead Learning Support Assistant. Offering vital guidance to diverse learners. Work alongside educators, strategies support, and cultivate inclusivity, making a profound impact on students’ growth.

Are you passionate about helping students gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace? We are looking for a dedicated Lead Learning Support Assistant to join our team and play a vital role in preparing students for their futures.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To foster and promote independence, resilience, and skills development in students with additional support needs, helping them to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build effective relationships with parents, sharing information and working together to support student needs.
• Deliver Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) annual reviews, ensuring timely completion of paperwork.
• Lead pre-course interviews and enrolments for SEND students.
• Monitor the provision of support and guidance for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
• Create and maintain individual learning plans.
• Liaise with teachers to identify and meet student learning needs.
• Support the Additional Learning Support (ALS) Manager with strategic activities.
• Act as deputy for the ALS Manager when required.
• Provide tailored learning support in classrooms and support centres.
• Work closely with teachers and ALS colleagues to ensure effective support delivery.
• Assist with systems, processes, and procedures relating to learning support.
• Act as an advocate for students, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Stay fully informed of students’ Individual Support Plans and share key information with staff.
• Commit to continuous professional development to keep specialist knowledge current.
• Support student CPD days and wider course activities.
• Promote positive practice, equality, diversity, safeguarding, and health & safety across all work.

About You:

• GCSE Level 4 (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
• Good standard of general education.
• Experience working with SEND students across different curriculum areas.
• Resilience, flexibility, and the ability to multi-task.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of individual student needs.
• A reflective and observant approach, with confidence to raise concerns appropriately.
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and external partners.
• Team player with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Professional appearance.

Desirable (but not essential):

• Level 3 qualification (or higher) in a relevant subject.
• Previous experience in an educational setting in a similar role.
• Familiarity with IT systems in education.
• Good technical skills to deliver support in virtual classrooms.
• Knowledge of employability opportunities for young people with SEND.
• Experience writing high-quality, meaningful review documents.

Why choose us?

Our strategy is to create a Career Focused, Digital Learning environment, ensuring that the learner experience and our relationship within our community, local and regional employers, are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be selected as finalists for the AoC Beacon awards for effective use of digital Technology in FE. Providing a high achieving, focused learning environment allowing our students to achieve the grades they need for higher educations, or the skills and aptitude required to secure a suitable role in their chosen career.

Our college is set in the leafy suburbs of Essex, with easy access to surrounding areas and amenities, we are based in a well-connected location both by road and rail.

What we offer:

• A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn.
• Annual Staff Awards.
• CPD days - opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching.
• Free onsite parking.
• Staff appreciation days.
• Onsite Starbucks & Restaurant.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Hybrid Working available.
• Fully immersive teaching rooms allow simultaneous online teaching at multiple locations.
• Free Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7, 365 days offering legal & financial advice, as well as general support & guidance.

This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. USP College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, we therefore expect all staff to share this commitment.