Learning Support Assistant
Location: Sunderland/Peterlee
Salary: £24,492
Hours: Full Time 32.5 hrs per week
Contract: Permanent
Leave: 25 days + statutory holidays (Springboard also operates a Christmas closure period, which is paid and does not reduce employees' annual leave entitlement)
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.
Role Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Learning Support Assistant to join our Planning for Progression (P4P) provision supporting young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). Many of our learners will have experienced barriers to education, including negative or disrupted school experiences.
You will play a key role in helping learners re-engage with learning, build confidence, and develop essential life and employability skills. Working alongside tutors, you will provide tailored support both in the classroom and during work placements, helping learners to overcome challenges and achieve positive progression outcomes.
This is a varied and rewarding role, with opportunities to also support across other vocational programmes as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Learner Support
- Provide one-to-one and small group support to learners to help them engage with learning and achieve their goals.
- Assist learners in developing key skills, including communication, confidence, teamwork, and independence.
- Support the delivery of engaging sessions, including employability, ICT, and PSHE, reinforcing softer skills such as resilience, wellbeing, and personal development.
- Encourage positive behaviour, motivation, attendance, and participation.
- Support learners in overcoming barriers to learning, including behavioural, emotional, or social challenges.
- Help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Work Placement & Employer Support
- Support learners to prepare for work placements, including workplace expectations, behaviour, and communication skills.
- Assist with the coordination and administration of work placements.
- Provide support to learners during placements, including workplace visits where appropriate.
- Liaise with tutors and placement leads to monitor learner progress and wellbeing in the workplace.
- Help ensure placements are positive, safe, and meaningful learning experiences.
Programme Delivery Support
- Work closely with tutors to support lesson delivery, preparation of materials, and learner activities.
- Contribute to tracking learner progress, including maintaining accurate records and supporting reviews.
- Support enrichment activities, employer engagement sessions, and external visits.
- Promote professionalism and appropriate behaviour, particularly when learners are engaging with employers or the public.
Wider Contribution
- Provide support across other programmes as required.
- Assist in promoting programmes and engaging learners.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners to support learner success.
- Follow organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, and diversity.
- Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as required.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of working with young people, particularly those facing barriers to learning.
- Ability to build positive, supportive relationships with learners.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Patient, empathetic, and encouraging approach.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Basic IT skills.
- GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Level 2.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
Desirable
- Experience working with NEET learners or in alternative education settings.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and supporting vulnerable learners.
- Experience supporting work placements or employer engagement activity.
- Relevant support or teaching assistant qualification.
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.
This vacancy is subject to the completion of an internal redeployment process. The employer reserves the right to withdraw or amend the recruitment process accordingly.
Work Location: In person
