Learning Support Assistant

About ARU:

ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.

At our ARU Writtle campus, we specialise in animal, environmental, agricultural and horticultural courses, for learners aged 16 to 18, adult learners, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

About the Role:

Writtle College is seeking a compassionate, proactive, and experienced Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join our inclusive education team. This role involves supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across a diverse range of vocational and academic courses. Many of these learners have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and are high needs funded, requiring tailored support to access learning and thrive in the college environment.

You’ll work closely with teaching staff, the Learning Support Team and external professionals to ensure students receive high-quality, person-centred support that promotes independence, achievement, and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 and small group classroom support to students with SEND, including those with EHCPs and high needs funding

• Assist students in accessing lessons, practical activities, and enrichment opportunities across various departments

• Implement strategies and interventions outlined in EHCPs and support plans

• Promote independence, confidence, and self-advocacy in learners

• Support students with literacy, numeracy, study skills, and emotional regulation

• Contribute to the development of inclusive teaching practices and differentiated learning materials

• Monitor and record student progress, providing feedback to teaching staff and the SEND team

• Support students during transitions, including arrival, breaks, and departure from college

• Assist with personal care and mobility needs where required, in line with college policies

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding, health & safety, and equality policies

• Support students in both classroom settings and on a one-to-one basis, adapting materials and communication methods to meet individual academic and pastoral needs

We are looking for:

Essential:

• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with students and staff
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating diversity
• Flexibility and resilience in a dynamic learning environment
• Minimum of grade C/4 or equivalent grade in English and Maths
• Two A levels or vocational qualification at NVQ level 3 or equivalent

Desirable:

• Previous experience supporting young people with SEND in an educational setting

• Understanding of EHCPs and the responsibilities of colleges in delivering support

• Relevant qualifications (e.g. Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Autism Awareness, etc)

• Experience supporting students with complex needs, including autism, ADHD, and physical disabilities

• Knowledge of assistive technologies and inclusive learning strategies

• Knowledge of IT systems

Informal enquiries can be made to Caroline Turner, Learning Support Team Leader, at [email protected]

Find out more about working with us and how we recruit.

We have an agile working culture and offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package. Visit our benefits page for full details.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short listed candidates.

All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Children’s Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check. Shortlisted candidates will be required to disclose any prior disciplinary action or investigation related to sexual misconduct or abuse.

This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.

We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

In accordance with Home Office guidance and the Asylum, Immigration and Nationality Act 2006, ARU has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work in the UK and in the role for which they have been recruited. Prior to their start date, the successful candidate will be asked to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

For candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, ARU is a UKVI-licensed sponsor and may be able to provide sponsorship for eligible candidates appointed to skilled roles, subject to meeting the relevant immigration requirements. Eligibility for sponsorship will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Further information about UK immigration requirements and working in the UK can be found on the Home Office website.

Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.

Guidance Notes:

Please download the Job Description Person Specification for key requirements. To apply, demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the criteria.