Learning Support Assistant

Full Job Description

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG

Job Title:  Learning Support Assistant

Location:  Longdon Hall School, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS15 4PT

Salary:      £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 16:00 (extended to 16:30 on Mondays)

Contract:  Permanent, Term Time Only

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we have a fantastic opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join our close-knit, passionate team at Longdon Hall School, part of Acorn Education.

About the Role

We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Learning Support Assistants to help deliver exceptional education to pupils with a wide range of complex needs. You’ll work alongside our teachers to take a creative, child-centred approach to learning—maximising every pupil’s achievement and supporting their emotional and personal development.

This role is both challenging and rewarding. You’ll be part of a nurturing school environment with a strong safeguarding culture, where every pupil is listened to, respected, and actively involved in their learning journey.

Your Responsibilities

• Support pupils individually and in small groups within and beyond the classroom
• Assist in preparing engaging lessons and learning environments
• Build strong, positive relationships to promote pupil confidence and interaction
• Help deliver a creative, therapeutic approach to education
• Work collaboratively with teachers and colleagues to support pupil progress
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, structured, and inclusive school community

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for individuals who are:

• Resilient, calm, and adaptable in challenging situations
• Compassionate and motivated to support pupils with diverse needs
• Team-oriented, with strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to work flexibly and creatively to meet the needs of each pupil
• Genuinely invested in helping every pupil reach their full potential

Requirements

• GCSE Grade C / 4 or above in Maths and English
• Experience working in SEN or ASC settings is desirable but not essential
• Transferable skills from customer-facing industries such as retail, hospitality, or care are welcome
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing

About Us

Longdon Hall School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 7 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of social, emotional, and mental health needs. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

This opportunity is in Lichfield which is within commutable distance of Cannock, Burton upon Trent and surrounding areas.

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for pupils. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education? 

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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