Welcome to Ada!
At Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of diverse digital talent. Through the quality of education we deliver, the depth of our industry partnerships and focus on diversity, we are changing the face of the tech sector, expanding the talent pipeline and transforming lives.
We are a specialist Further Education college, where every 16-19 student takes Computer Science and all of our diverse Higher Level and Degree Apprentices work in skills shortage disciplines in innovative, blue-chip companies.
The digital skills gap is costing the UK economy an estimated £63 billion a year in lost GDP. Ada seeks to fill this skills gap by equipping young with the skills industry actually needs.
Ada was announced by the Prime Minister in December 2014; England’s first new FE College since 1993 and since then we’ve gone from strength to strength including a Good with Outstanding features in our first Ofsted Inspection.
16-19 Provision:
As of 2024, we have 187 16-19 students enrolled. Our most recent results are outstanding; 39% of A level results at A*- B and 74% achieving at least one Distinction or better in their externally assessed Computing BTEC. This makes us the best education institution in the country for this BTEC.
Degree Apprenticeships:
Across our London Victoria and Manchester Ancoats campus, we have 363 apprentices currently enrolled on our Higher and Degree Level Apprenticeships. We specialise in five disciplines at present: software development, data analytics, tech consultancy, cyber security and business analysis, working with a wide range of SMEs and corporate organisations such as PwC, Bank of America, Deloitte, Clearscore, Just Eat, Capita, MHRA, Booking,com and Salesforce.
At present 38% of our learners are female, 51% are from ethnic minority backgrounds and 50% come from low-income households compared to national averages of c. 20%.
This is an exciting time to join Ada with our new state-of-the-art campuses in Victoria, London and Ancoats, Manchester. We’re passionate about building a supportive, values driven environment for both our students and staff.
Post Title: Learning Support Assistant (Job share welcome)
Nature of the Role: Full-time, Permanent
Reporting to: Assistant Principal- Head of Learner Services
Annual Salary: £26,500- £28,000 (DOE)
Pension: Aviva Pension Scheme
Holidays: Largely in line with local authority term dates (October Half term- 2 weeks)
Location: London Campus- Victoria
KEY ASPECTS OF THE ROLE & MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
●Provide one-on-one or small group support: Work closely with students to address their individual learning needs, providing tailored support and encouragement and to have a caseload of learners as part of supervision.
●Implement Individualised LP (Learner Passports/EHCP): Assist in developing and implementing EHCP/LP, ensuring students receive the appropriate support and accommodations.
●Assist with classroom activities: Collaborate with teachers/team leads to prepare learning materials, support classroom activities, and manage student behaviour as well as external and internal events.
●Foster positive relationships: Build rapport with students, encouraging communication and creating a supportive learning environment.
●Monitor student progress: Track student development, keep a daily record of support and progress, provide feedback to teachers and parents/guardians on their progress and areas for improvement.
●Collaborate with other professionals: Work alongside teachers, ALS Co-ordinator, Safeguarding, Attendance and Pastoral teams, College Counsellor, and other relevant professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to student support.
●Maintain accurate records: Keep detailed records of student progress, interventions, support access arrangements, and any relevant observations.
●Exam Access Arrangements: Support students in exams as required (reader, scribe, etc...)
●Safeguarding: to work as part of the SEND safeguarding team and where training will be provided.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications:
- GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above
- Level 2 or 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (or equivalent)
- Additional qualifications or training related to special educational needs
- Degree or HE equivalent qualification in an Ada Subject e.g. Computer Science or Mathematics.
Experience:
- Experience working with students with specific learning difficulties (e.g., ASC, dyslexia, ADHD) or disabilities.
- Demonstrated experience working with young people, either in a paid or voluntary capacity or in the education sector.
- Experience working with individuals with diverse needs and learning styles
- Experience of working in a school or college environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, teachers, and parents/guardians
- Strong active listening skills and empathy, with the ability to understand and respond to the needs of individual students.
- Patience, resilience, and a positive, can-do attitude, even in challenging situations
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding procedures
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and a willingness to learn new skills and strategies.
- Ability to work in an inclusive working environment with learners from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Desirable Knowledge:
- Understanding of the teaching and learning landscape, curriculum and different learning styles.
- Knowledge of SEND and safeguarding procedures.
- Experience in Speech and Language Therapy.
Personal Qualities:
●A passion for working young people aged 16-19
●A commitment to inclusive education and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed
●A creative and adaptable approach to problem-solving
●Enthusiasm, energy, and a sense of humour
SAFEGUARDING
The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:
- To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
- To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
- To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
- To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If there is anything in this regard that you would like to discuss in relation to your application please contact .
SPONSORSHIP
Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.
Thank you for your interest in Ada, the National College for Digital Skills.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, early applications are advised. We reserve the right to close this advert before the deadline should we find a suitable candidate.
Good Luck with your application!
Pay: £26,500.00-£28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
