Learning Support Assistant – Alternative Education (Term Time Only)
Location: Sunderland
Salary: £24,492 FTE (actual pro rata salary: £16,784.51)
Hours: 30 hrs per week (Mon – Fri 9am – 3pm) Term Time only
Contract: Permanent
About Springboard
Springboard is a registered charity dedicated to building sustainable, thriving communities by equipping people with the essential skills they need for work and life. Through our Study Programmes, Apprenticeships and Adult Skills courses, we create confident, employable, life‑ready learners.
With almost 50 years of experience, we are proud to be an Ofsted GOOD provider. We are committed to delivering high‑quality learning experiences, adapting to individual needs, and maintaining a culture of support, respect and ambition. We also hold the Matrix Award for Information, Advice and Guidance and the Better Health at Work Gold Standard.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and resilient Learning Support Practitioner to support learners in both classroom-based and practical learning environments, helping them to engage positively with education, develop confidence, achieve learning outcomes, and overcome barriers to participation. The Learning Support Assistant will work closely with teaching staff to provide individual and small-group support, promote positive behaviour, and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environments.
Working alongside Tutors and wider support staff, you will help learners engage in education, develop confidence and emotional resilience, and make progress towards their individual goals. You will provide consistent, relationship-based support that enables learners to access learning and achieve positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Learner Support
· Provide learning support to individuals and small groups during classroom and practical sessions.
· Assist learners to understand instructions, complete activities, and achieve planned learning outcomes.
· Adapt support strategies to meet individual learner needs, including those with SEND, SEMH needs, or other barriers to learning.
· Encourage learners to develop independence, confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.
· Support learners in maintaining focus and engagement throughout sessions
Classroom and Practical Session Support
- Assist tutors in preparing learning materials, resources, and equipment.
- Support the safe delivery of practical activities, workshops, and vocational learning sessions, including off-site activities.
- Monitor learner participation and provide feedback to teaching staff.
- Assist in managing classroom organisation and maintaining a positive learning environment.
- Support learners in developing practical, employability, and life skills.
Behaviour and Wellbeing
- Promote positive behaviour and always act as a positive role model.
- Support learners in managing emotions and behaviour using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
- Help implement individual support plans, behaviour plans, and risk assessments as required.
- Recognise and report safeguarding concerns in accordance with organisation policies.
- Contribute to the emotional wellbeing and personal development of learners.
Record Keeping and Communication
- Maintain accurate records of learner attendance, engagement, progress, and support provided.
- Communicate effectively with tutors, attendance officer, coordinator and other colleagues to support learners.
- Attend team meetings, training, reviews, and learner support meetings as required.
Break and Lunchtime Supervision
- Supervise learners during break times and lunch periods, ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and positive engagement.
- Encourage positive social interaction and help learners develop appropriate social skills.
- Support the management of behaviour during unstructured times using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
- Monitor learner welfare and identify any concerns relating to safeguarding, wellbeing, or peer relationships.
- Respond appropriately to incidents, accidents, or conflicts, reporting concerns in line with organisational procedures.
- Maintain appropriate staffing ratios and ensure learners remain within designated areas.
Health, Safety and Safeguarding
- Ensure high standards of health and safety are maintained in all learning environments.
- Support risk assessments and safe working practices, particularly during practical activities.
- Adhere to all safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion policies.
- Always maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Professional Responsibilities
· Engage in continuous professional development, particularly in SEMH, SEND and trauma-informed practice.
· Stay up to date with best practice in supporting learners with additional needs.
· Undertake administrative tasks including learner records and progress reviews.
· Work in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
· Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of working with young people in an educational, youth work, training, or support setting.
- Ability to build positive and professional relationships with learners.
- Understanding of behaviour management and learner engagement strategies.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Basic literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Desirable Criteria
- Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Youth Work, or related qualification.
- Experience working within alternative provision, further education, or vocational learning environments.
- Understanding of SEND, SEMH, trauma-informed practice, and restorative approaches.
- First Aid qualification.
- Experience supporting practical or vocational activities such as construction or workshop-based learning.
Additional Information
Springboard is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Safeguarding checks will be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including an online search for shortlisted applicants.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will support you.
Pay: £16,784.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
