Learning Support Practitioner

To contribute to achieving excellence in supporting students through innovative and excellent practice. You will be expected to support students of all ages with a wide range of learning difficulties and/or disabilities (moderate learning difficulties, physical/mental/ sensory/specific learning difficulties/disabilities to name a few). You will be expected to follow the recommendations in the Assessment of Need to meet the needs of individual or group of learners. The purpose of support is to remove barriers to learning and access, improving participation and achievements, fostering confidence and independence among students.

You will be expected to support students at all levels, from Level 1 through to Level 4/5, and offer effective and consistent support to enable students to reach their potential. You will also be expected to support teaching staff in making reasonable adjustments for students supported by you.

Key Responsibilities

• To contribute fully to the mission and values statement of the College ensuring its effective implementation in all aspects of College life
• To contribute to the College and Department’s strategic objectives and to actively engage in the annual review
• To be aware of the developments in subject area and update knowledge and skills on an annual basis 
• Provide support to individuals and groups of students
• Work under the direction of the team leader - learning support and teaching staff to ensure the best possible service is provided to the learners
• To have a good knowledge and understanding of the impact of various learning difficulties/disabilities on students learning and have a good track record of meeting those needs
• To deliver high quality support in order to achieve effective participation of assigned students in the learning process
• Be able to plan and use a range of effective and appropriate support techniques to engage and motivate students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and encourage independence and autonomy
• Help to establish a purposeful and motivating learning environment where students feel safe, secure, confident and valued
• Establish and maintain professional relationship with students which promote and maintain appropriate behaviour, communication and respect for others, while challenging discriminatory behaviour and attitudes
• To make arrangements for access to initial assessments/interviews
• To undertake ongoing assessment of support needs
• To undertake learning support duties as per timetable
• To maintain records of support delivered to ensure quality assurance
• To liaise effectively with appropriate external agencies as and when required 
• To monitor students’ progress and attendance in receipt of support and report concerns to team leader where necessary
• Liaise with tutors to ensure students are being effectively supported and that all identified differentiation strategies are being implemented as specified in the assessment of need
• Liaise with Team Leader – Learning Support and Progress Leaders to identify areas of concern regarding students’ pastoral and academic needs
• To be aware of external/internal assessment procedures and to play an appropriate part in their implementation (e.g., supporting exams in the capacity of invigilators, prompters, readers/scribes)
• Evaluate and improve own communication skills to maximise effective communication and overcome barriers
• To liaise with line manager in contributing to the administration necessary to support the business needs of the Department and the College
• To encourage students on your case load to attend Math and English sessions and report concerns to relevant senior staff
• To review own professional development needs and to participate fully in future training and development
• To communicate and consult with parents, carers and students including Parent’s Evening, Welcome Evenings, other events and open evenings.
• To ensure that all students on your timetable comply with College’s policies and procedures
• All employees have a responsibility to carry out the duties of the post in line with the new public sector equality duty and our commitment to promote and advance equality of opportunity within the college.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Criteria

• Educated to Level 2 in English and Math 
• Excellent computer literacy – ability to use the current IT programs of the College 
• Experience of supporting students in educational setting
• Knowledge and understanding of disabilities and/or learning difficulties
• Knowledge of various support strategies to provide effective support to students with SEND
• High level of communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent customer service skills
•  Engaged in Continuing Professional Development
•  Ability to set high standards for students, colleagues and for themselves

Desirable Criteria 

• Educated to Degree Level 
• An ICT qualification