Duchy College Prep School is seeking a caring, patient and enthusiastic Learning Support Practitioner to join our dedicated Learning Support team on a part-time, fixed-term basis.
Working 12–15 hours across 4–5 days, you will provide tailored support to a pupil with additional learning needs. You will help them access the curriculum, develop greater independence and confidence, and participate fully in school life.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference while working as part of a supportive and inclusive team.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work as part of a dedicated and inclusive Learning Support team, helping a pupil to develop confidence, independence and self-management skills whilst ensuring they are able to access the curriculum and participate fully in school life.
The successful candidate will work closely with teaching staff, the Learning Support team, parents and external professionals. They will provide tailored support that promotes positive engagement with learning and encourages greater independence over time.
This is a fixed-term position for this academic year until 7 July 2027 and may be extended subject to continued funding.
The role requires a thoughtful balance between providing individualised support and encouraging independence. The successful candidate will help the pupil develop confidence, resilience, self-advocacy and the skills needed to become increasingly independent in their learning.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the learning, wellbeing and inclusion of the pupil with additional needs.
- Encourage independence through carefully planned and gradually reduced support where appropriate.
- Provide classroom support across the wider cohort under the direction of teaching staff.
- Deliver and support targeted interventions, which may include literacy, communication, social skills and emotional wellbeing activities.
- Use appropriate strategies to support engagement, confidence and emotional regulation.
- Prepare and adapt learning materials to ensure the pupil can access the curriculum successfully.
- Support organisation, routines and independent learning skills through structured approaches and practical strategies.
- Recognise when additional reassurance, regulation strategies or movement breaks may be beneficial.
- Encourage positive relationships with peers and support inclusion within the wider learning environment.
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff, the Learning Support team, parents and external professionals.
- Maintain accurate records of support, interventions and progress.
- Contribute positively to the inclusive ethos and wider life of the school.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience supporting children or young people with additional needs, ideally within an educational setting.
- Has an understanding of neurodiversity, communication differences and barriers to learning.
- Understands the importance of promoting independence and confidence in young people.
- Can implement structured support strategies under the guidance of teaching staff.
- Is calm, patient and empathetic, with the ability to respond positively to individual needs.
- Can adapt their approach and communication style to support different learners.
- Builds trusting relationships while maintaining high expectations.
- Has excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Can balance supporting an individual pupil whilst contributing effectively to the wider classroom environment.
- Is organised, flexible and proactive.
- Holds GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
- Is willing to undertake relevant safeguarding and SEND training.
Desirable
- Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent).
- Experience delivering targeted interventions.
- Knowledge of approaches that support autistic learners and neurodiverse pupils.
- Experience supporting communication and language development.
- Understanding of sensory needs and regulation strategies.
- Experience working alongside external professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists or Educational Psychologists.
Duchy College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will not be allowed to start in school until all pre-employment checks have been completed satisfactorily. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post. This position is in regular, regulated activity making it exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is an educational charity and equal opportunities employer.
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site gym
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Harrogate HG1 2QG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
