Learning Support Assistant Term-Time Only

Hours: 22.2 Hours Per Week

Term: Fixed until 31st August 2025

Interview Date: 13th January 2025

Closing Date: 15th December 2024

Salary: Grade 4 (£21,571 - £23,869 FTE)(Term time only)

Inspire College is recruiting term-time classroom/practical learning Support Assistants for its bases in Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield for the period January to July 2025.

Inspire College works with 16 to 24 year-olds on full-time Study Programmes. Some of these learners have mild to moderate learning difficulties and/or social, emotional and mental health issues. Some can also present with challenging behaviour. While with us, learners work on their employability and personal and social development. Some complete vocational qualifications in Construction, Catering and Health and Social Care and all do Maths and English and have the opportunity to gain work experience. They also benefit from the excellent pastoral care provided by our staff and take part in enrichment activities, which can happen outside of the classroom.

The ideal candidates should have experience of developing constructive working relationships with other professionals. Additionally, they will have a good understanding of the issues facing young people in today’s society and have a positive, enthusiastic attitude in helping them overcome their barriers to education. A – C GCSE grades (or equivalent) in English and Maths are required, as is an ability to recognise and respond to the needs of young people, in turn providing the necessary encouragement and motivation needed to help them succeed.

The hours are 8.30 – 4.00, 3 days a week, Mon – Wed. Lunches are taken with and while supporting the young people. Additional days may also be available, for example supporting young people on work placement.

This is an excellent opportunity to pursue a career in education with an expanding local organisation which delivers vital services to both adults and young people across the county.

Training and support will be given to help the successful candidates undertake the role.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.  As such, this post will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

For further information please contact simon.cook@inspireculture.org.uk

Job Description

Job Title: Learning Support Assistant

Grade 4

Job Purpose

To provide young people and adults with appropriate classroom support, both face to face and online, as directed by line manager and class tutor,  on accredited and non-accredited learning programmes within Inspire. To support the tutor and young people on educational and enrichment visits taking place within the programme. To support young people, where necessary and appropriate, in a workplace environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Work at the direction of the tutor to enable learners to gain and develop a variety of skills within a classroom and online environment
2. Provide group and individual support, both face to face and online, on accredited and non-accredited programmes including maths and/or English
3. Provide learners with appropriate information, advice, guidance, counselling and support to enable them to overcome barriers to education and employment
4. Complete administrative tasks associated with course administration as reasonably delegated by the tutor
5. Undertake continuous professional development as determined by the organisation
6. Ensure that all safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to and organisational guidelines are followed, including the Prevent Strategy
7. The post holder will work in accordance with all Inspire policies and procedures, Inspire Brand guidelines, Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) contractual requirements, and professional best practice
   

Education and Knowledge Required for the role

1. A – C GCSE (4 or above) grades (or equivalent) in English and Maths are required
2. Understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures, including the Prevent Strategy (training provided)
3. Awareness of Health and Safety issues and legislation (training provided)
4. Understanding of Equal Opportunities policies and procedures (training provided)
   

Skills and Experience

1. Ability to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising your own work
2. Ability to effectively review, monitor and offer guidance and support to young people and adults
3. Experience of working with vulnerable young people aged 16 – 24 and/or adults with learning difficulties and disabilities (desirable)
4. Experience of supporting the achievement of accredited qualifications
5. Work effectively within a team to plan programme delivery and solve day-to-day problems
6. Be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people both face to face and online

Role Dimensions

1. To provide young people and/or adults with appropriate classroom support, leading to the achievement of learning goals and appropriate accredited/non-accredited qualifications, that support progression to Further Education or employment
2. No direct responsibility of staff 

Inspire Competencies

Customer Service (Competency Level 2) 

1. Demonstrates effective customer service skills – in person, online or on the phone - identifies and satisfies customer needs, adjusting their style with a friendly and professional approach as appropriate for the customer
2. Responds positively to customer concerns, acts to resolve or reassure customers as needed, agrees solutions with the customer or hands over to an appropriate colleague

Deliver the service offer (Competency Level 3) 

1. Advises and promotes the Inspire Service Offer to customers – to meet their immediate needs and other services that could be of interest or benefit them
2. Embraces any changes to the offer and any associated changes to processes or working practices positively
3. Shares feedback about the Inspire offer with their line manager and contributes to meetings, discussions and related activities to ensure service delivery and/or improve our offer

Communicating well (Competency Level 3) 

1. Communicates effectively in person, one-one-one, and in writing respectfully and in a style appropriate to the person and situation
2. Communicates effectively in a meeting or other group situation, respectfully and in a style appropriate to the group and situation with a solutions / can do approach
3. Debates or discusses positively with colleagues and line manager, sharing views and acknowledging and respecting the views of others and reaches agreement

Working together (Competency Level 3) 

1. Adopts a friendly, helpful, supportive and respectful manner when working with others
2. Acts in a way that shows they are trustworthy, reliable and transparent in their dealings with others
3. Makes and implements decisions fairly, using good judgement and with integrity, in line with Inspire values and role modelling Inspire management and leadership behaviours

Leading the way (Competency Level 1) 

1. Incorporate the spirit of Inspire’s mission, vision and values in the work they do with customers, colleagues and stakeholders

Working efficiently & cost effectively (Competency Level 1) 

1. Uses Inspire resources and their time effectively to meet service demand, objectives and/or targets

Skills and qualifications (Competency Level 2) 

1. GCSE (Grades D-G) or Level 1 Diploma (Foundation)

                  Including: Good verbal communication skills – willing to or working towards Level 2 English and Maths

2. GCSE (Grades A-C) Inc. English and Maths or Level 2 Diploma (1st Diploma)

                   Including: Demonstrable IT Skills (Inspire Recruitment Activity/test)

                   Use of Internet – information searching; Use of online meeting software such as Zoom and Teams

                   Microsoft Office – Basic Skills

                   Good verbal and written communication skills