Learning Support Assistant

at  Woking College

THE DEPARTMENT

Woking College aims to ensure equality of opportunity and a wide and varied curriculum for each student in order that every
student can become an effective learner, who is able to achieve their maximum potential. We appreciate that every student
is unique. Consequently, there are differences in the ways in which they learn and the level of support that each individual
needs.
We aim to provide holistic, personalised and fully integrated support for all students according to their needs and
circumstances. In the first few weeks after enrolment, using diagnostic screening, as well as information provided from home,
Learning Support will create an agreed plan to address any particular needs. Many students come to the College for a fresh
start and so we apply a flexible approach to enable them to grow in both confidence and independence, thereby preparing
them for greater success and future progression opportunities.
A dedicated Learning Support area is available throughout the week, where one-to-one and small group lessons take place
and specialist staff in the fields of literacy, numeracy and study skills can provide assistance. Depending on learning needs
and preferences, some in-class support is also available, as well as specific workshops for building confidence, social skills and
mentoring.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Educated to A level equivalent, or educated to GCSE standard or equivalent plus a minimum of two years working
  in an educational environment.

THE ROLE

Our Learning Support Assistants provide a vital role in supporting our students both in the classroom and on a one-to-one
basis. We are looking to expand our team to provide continuity for students’ support throughout the week (4 day part-time
working will be considered). Candidates must have good communication skills, both verbally and in writing, and have
empathy and interest in helping young people fulfil their potential.
Working hours for this term-time role will be 8.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, with an unpaid half hour for lunch. Please
note that candidates applying for part-time must be able to commit to full days.
We are looking for an exceptional candidate. We expect high performance from all our staff, and are looking for an impressive
individual to support our students. Candidates should demonstrate their ability and suitability to both the role and the culture
of the College. We look forward to welcoming an additional team member to join our friendly Learning Support department
in our successful and growing College.
Start Date: Tuesday 27 August 2024
Hours: 35 hours per week, term-time only (39 weeks per year), Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm
Salary: Actual pro rata salary: £19,466 pa for 35 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year).
Candidates applying for less than 5 days will be paid pro rata to this figure.
FTE £23,958 per annum. All figures are inclusive of fringe allowance

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Role of Learning Support Assistant and Independent Learner Mentor:

They can be expected to:

• take notes
• help individuals/small groups of students in class
• help to keep the student on task and focussed, interpret questions and tasks and explain meanings of

words/specialist terms

• read out information from resources
• liaise with subject teachers to facilitate study skills
• photocopy notes/materials
• supervise a small group in another room/computer room
• build up a rapport with students so they feel confident coming for help outside lessons
• help students to improve grades in their assignments
• help students with planning
• guide students regarding how to file and organise their work
• support students with their digital literacy and learning skills and research requirements for assignments and

essays

• help students complete necessary paperwork
• help students who have been away to catch up
• devise programmes of support to help students to become independent learners
• mentor individuals/small groups in the Learning Resource Centre
• help with IT/finding lost files/work

Guiding principles for a Learning Support Assistant:

• The Learning Support Assistant must establish a good working relationship with the individual student – but

must not become over familiar

• There should be an open working relationship between the teacher and the Learning Support Assistant
• The Learning Support Assistant must be clear whether the work they are helping with is for assessment

purposes or for general research/class work purposes

• The Learning Support Assistant is there to support the student in their learning, not do the learning for them

(even if it means the student might fail)

• The Learning Support Assistant is not there to take a major role in disciplining groups of students but should

not accept bad behaviour/rudeness

• The Learning Support Assistant should not be afraid to pass on issues or refer the student to other people when

they feel out of their depth e.g. class teacher, tutor, Head of Department, Head of Learning Support, Head of
Year, Counsellor, Assistant Principal.
.

1. Additional duties:

• General administration for the curriculum including filing, minutes for meetings, organisation of exams.
• Invigilation and scribing and reading for students during examinations.
• Cover for Tutorial and Reception as required.
• Specific help at various times of the year – e.g. art exhibitions, drama rehearsals, help with short courses.
• Facilitating the effective use of ICT systems.

1. To take part in the first aider duty rota (training will be given if not already qualified to be a first aider at work).
   Carrying a radio, and responding to first aid requests when on rota, and to respond to first aid requests at additional
   times should the specific duty rota first aider not be available.
2. To act at all times in accordance with the College’s Equality & Diversity policies.
3. To act at all times in accordance with the College’s Safeguarding policy. Ensuring the safeguarding of students at the
   College, recognising one’s own role in liaison with the designated safeguarding personnel.
4. To contribute to the safety policies of the College as directed by the Principal and to ensure that Health & Safety
   Regulations are observed within the Curriculum Areas and within the College in general.
5. To take part in the training programmes provided by the College and agree to the process of professional reviews.
6. To undertake any other particular duties which may be reasonably assigned to you by the Principal from time to
   time.