Learning Support Assistant

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to develop their confidence, independence and skills for the future?

This contract Learning Support Assistant role offers you the chance to make a genuine impact in a specialist post-16 environment, helping students aged 16–24 across Newcastle upon Tyne and surrounding areas. You'll be rewarded with consistent working days each week and the opportunity to see your efforts directly help students flourish academically and personally.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive daily pay, up to £122 per day (pro-rata for shorter days).
• Long-term supply contract for the full academic year.
• Consistent Monday–Thursday working pattern.
• The opportunity to support young people in a rewarding, specialist educational setting.
• Focus on real-life and employability skills in addition to English and Maths.
• Support and guidance from experienced education recruitment professionals.
• An invitation to visit the college provision before starting your assignment.

Location and Working Pattern

You will work across four college locations each week:

• Monday – Newcastle upon Tyne: 9:15am–4:00pm
• Tuesday – Blyth, Northumberland: 9:15am–1:15pm
• Wednesday – Wallsend, North Tyneside: 9:15am–4:00pm
• Thursday – Sunderland: 9:15am–4:00pm

The college sessions typically include Functional Skills English and Maths in the morning, with employability and work-readiness sessions in the afternoon. Pay is pro-rated for the shorter Tuesday session. Having a full UK driving licence and vehicle will be advantageous, but alternative reliable travel arrangements will be considered.

The Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will provide individual and small-group support to students with a range of additional needs—including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and social, emotional or behavioural challenges. Your day-to-day role will involve:

• Supporting students with Functional Skills English and Maths (Entry Level and Level 1/2).
• Providing personalised 1:1 and small-group learning support.
• Assisting tutors in delivering accessible and engaging learning activities.
• Supporting employability sessions to develop workplace skills, confidence and independence.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Adapting materials and activities for different abilities and learning styles.
• Supporting students with physical disabilities and accessibility requirements.
• Building professional, positive relationships with students and colleagues.
• Monitoring student progress and providing feedback.
• Promoting a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience as a Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, SEND Support Worker, or similar role.
• Experience supporting young people with SEND, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or complex needs.
• Good standard of English and Maths (ideally Level 2 or equivalent).
• Confidence delivering Functional Skills activities.
• Understanding of positive behaviour management and varied learning needs.
• Excellent communication, patience and interpersonal skills.
• Caring, adaptable and proactive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and reliability to cover all four locations each week.

Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable but not essential. Practical experience supporting young people with additional needs is highly valued. Experience within further education, specialist colleges, supported internships or employability programmes is particularly beneficial.

Safeguarding Requirements

All applicants will complete relevant safeguarding and compliance checks. This includes an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of your right to work in the UK.

If you're seeking a meaningful, long-term opportunity where your support helps young people achieve lasting progress, this role is for you. Apply with your CV today to take the next step in your career.