Learning Support Assistant

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:

Help Young Adults Learn, Grow and Achieve Their Ambitions

At Henshaws, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live the life they choose. Guided by our values of Ambition, Respect and Empowerment, we support young adults with disabilities and additional needs to develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to achieve their goals.

We're looking for caring, enthusiastic and resilient Learning Support Assistants to join our College team. This is far more than a support role. You will become an important part of a young person's learning journey, helping them discover their strengths, overcome barriers and celebrate achievements that can be truly life-changing.

A Role That Changes Lives

Every student at Henshaws has their own aspirations, talents and support needs. As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work alongside students both in the classroom and beyond, helping them to:

• Access education and learning opportunities
• Develop independence and life skills
• Build confidence and self-belief
• Participate in community activities and enrichment programmes
• Work towards personal outcomes and ambitions

No two days are the same, and every day brings the opportunity to make a genuine difference.

Supporting Students with Complex Needs

Our students may have a range of needs, including:

• Learning disabilities
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Sensory impairments
• Physical disabilities
• Clinical and health-related needs
• Behaviours that can be challenging and require patience, understanding and skilled support

We are looking for people who can remain calm, compassionate and positive, even during difficult moments, and who genuinely believe in every student's potential.

Personal Care is a Key Part of the Role

To provide the high-quality support our students deserve, personal and intimate care forms a significant part of this role.

You will support students with their personal care needs whilst always promoting dignity, choice, privacy and independence. We understand this aspect of the role is not for everyone, so we want to be transparent that personal care is an essential requirement and a vital part of helping our students live, learn and thrive.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

Living Our Values Every Day

Ambition

You will encourage students to aim high, build new skills and achieve outcomes they may never have thought possible.

Respect

You will value each student as an individual, treating them with dignity, kindness and understanding while celebrating their unique strengths.

Empowerment

You will support students to make choices, develop independence and take ownership of their learning journey and future aspirations.

Why Join Henshaws?

At Henshaws, you'll be part of a supportive and welcoming community where your contribution is valued. You'll receive training, development opportunities and the chance to see first-hand the difference your support makes to the lives of young adults every single day.

If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can support young people to learn, grow, become more independent and achieve their ambitions, we'd love to hear from you.

Salary £13.73 per hour/ £23795.19 actual per annum

Hours 37 Monday to Thursday 08.30 - 16.30 and Friday 08.30 -16.00

Weeks per year 40 weeks term time only

Closing date 19th October 2026 - 12 noon

Join Henshaws and help empower young adults to build brighter, more independent futures.

Requirements:

What We're Looking For

You don't necessarily need previous experience in education. What matters most is your values, attitude and commitment to supporting others.

We're looking for individuals who:

• Are passionate about helping young adults achieve their potential
• Have a naturally caring and positive approach
• Can build professional and trusting relationships
• Are resilient and able to support students with complex needs and challenging behaviours
• Are comfortable undertaking personal care duties
• Work well as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Share our values of Ambition, Respect and Empowerment

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