Higher Learning Support

Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe that, wherever they are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.

Position:

Are you passionate about supporting young people with disabilities to achieve their ambitions and live more independently? Do you have experience leading teams and creating positive, inclusive learning environments?

At Henshaws College, we're looking for a Higher Learning Support professional who shares our commitment to Ambition, Respect and Empowerment and wants to play a key role in shaping exceptional outcomes for our students.

Why Join Henshaws?

At Henshaws, we believe everyone has the right to live the life they choose. Every day, our teams work alongside people with a range of disabilities and additional needs, helping them build confidence, develop independence, and achieve their goals.

As a Higher Learning Support colleague, you'll be more than a leader. You'll be a coach, mentor, advocate, and role model, ensuring our students receive outstanding support while developing and inspiring a team of Learning Support Assistants.

Living Our Values

Ambition

• Continuously strive to improve outcomes for students.
• Encourage innovation and high standards of support.
• Help students overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

Respect

• Value every student's voice, individuality, and aspirations.
• Build positive relationships with families, colleagues, and professionals.
• Champion dignity, inclusion, and equality in everything you do.

Empowerment

• Support students to develop confidence, independence, and life skills.
• Enable colleagues to grow through coaching, mentoring, and development.
• Create opportunities for people to take ownership of their learning and achievements.

About the Role

This is a hands-on leadership position where you will:

• Lead and support Learning Support Assistants across the college.
• Ensure students' care, wellbeing, and educational needs are met.
• Work collaboratively with tutors, therapists, clinical teams, and care colleagues.
• Promote independence and positive outcomes for learners.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the college and contribute to leadership decisions.
• Act as a champion for high-quality practice, safeguarding, and continuous improvement.

What You Can Expect

Joining Henshaws means becoming part of a supportive and values-driven organisation where your contribution truly matters. You'll have the opportunity to develop professionally while making a lasting difference to the lives of young people and their families.

If you're ready to bring your Ambition, demonstrate Respect, and inspire Empowerment, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us create a world where everyone can achieve beyond expectations.

Salary £14.55 per hour/ £25,216.31 actual per annum

Hours 37 per week Monday to Friday

Weeks per year 40 term-time

Closing date: 19th October 2026 - 12 noon

Requirements:

We're keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Experience leading and motivating teams.
• Experience working with young people with learning disabilities, autism, sensory impairments, or additional needs.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• A genuine passion for helping others succeed and reach their potential.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing

Other information:

Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidate.

Henshaws reserves the right to check social media accounts of all successful applicants.

Registered Charity No: 221888

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified. Internal applicants are encouraged to apply and should submit an expression of interest to the HR Support team.

Benefit: Up to 3 days Paid Emergency Domestic Leave (after one years Service), A paid Wellbeing day (after one years service), Company Sick pay after completion of probationary period, Enhanced Maternity Pay, Enhanced Paternity Pay, Company Pension Scheme, Refer a friend bonus £150.00 (As an employee this is payable once your 'Friend' has started with Henshaws and they named you on their application form or CV), Long service Awards every 5 Years, Onsite Free parking, Access to discounted staff meals, Access to trained Mental Health First aiders, Employee assistance programme (EAP), Wellbeing Programme, Employee discount schemes (e.g Blue Light), Paid training, On the job training, Professional development support, Access to further qualifications, Career progression opportunities, DBS paid for by Henshaws