At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in Agriculture and Horticulture to achieve their learning goals.
- Company: Windsor Forest Colleges Group, a leading education provider in the South East.
- Benefits: Local Government Pension Scheme, free parking, career progression, and health benefits.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to student success and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with young adults and Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths.
Windsor Forest Colleges Group is looking for a Learning Support Assistant to join our Agriculture and Horticulture Department at our Berkshire College of Agriculture campus on a part time, term time only basis. The role involves working 30 hours per week over 37 term‑time weeks per year. It pays on Scale G of the Support Staff pay scale, offering a pro‑rata salary of £1,161.78 up to £1,374.68 (FTE £1,483 up to £2,284).
Learning Support Assistants are a vital part of Windsor Forest Colleges Group, helping students fully access the curriculum, achieve their learning goals and fulfil their potential. Reporting to the Head of Department and working under senior academic staff, the assistant will support whole classes, small groups or individual students in accordance with college policies and individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the planning, delivery and evaluation of learning activities.
- Helping students overcome physical, emotional or learning barriers.
- Supporting assignments, exam preparation, and the development of English, mathematics and ICT skills.
- Monitoring student behaviour, maintaining confidential records and adapting learning materials.
- Supporting the use of specialist equipment.
To be considered, candidates must possess:
- A positive attitude and experience working with young adults, ideally in education.
- Level 2 qualifications (GCSE grade A–C or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
- Relevant qualifications or experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.
- Strong organisational skills, a proactive approach and the physical ability to provide support for mobility‑impaired students.
- Strict adherence to the college's policies on Risk Management, Diversity and Equality, Health and Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding.
About Us
The Windsor Forest Colleges Group (TWFCG) is a leading education provider in the South East. Our staff work across four main campuses at Langley, Windsor, Strodes Egham and Berkshire College of Agriculture Maidenhead. We place the learner at the heart of all we do and deliver education and training to a diverse group of students and businesses each year.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with 24.3% employer contribution.
- Free onsite parking at all sites.
- Career progression opportunities for ambitious staff.
- Access to a wide range of subsidised leisure courses.
- Access to excellent defined benefit pension schemes.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Family‑friendly policies supporting work‑life balance.
- Onsite coffee shop and cafeteria.
- Health and wellbeing benefits including discounted gym memberships, confidential staff counselling and discounted hair and beauty treatments.
The vacancy will close on 11th July 2026. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS and Barred List check along with other legally required checks which are an essential part of the safeguarding process.
Learning Support Assistant - Agriculture and Horticulture in Thatcham employer: Windsor Forest Colleges Group
Windsor Forest Colleges Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment at our Berkshire College of Agriculture campus. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer career progression opportunities, access to subsidised leisure courses, and a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme and health and wellbeing initiatives. Join us in making a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a family-friendly culture that prioritises work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Windsor Forest Colleges Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant - Agriculture and Horticulture in Thatcham
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Windsor Forest Colleges Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant - Agriculture and Horticulture in Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Windsor Forest Colleges Group!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Windsor Forest Colleges Group. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Windsor Forest Colleges Group. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Windsor Forest Colleges Group
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.