Learning Support Assistant

Start Date: September 2026
Pay: £16.72+ per hour (PAYE)
Days: Monday – Friday (4 days may be possible too)

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? We are recruiting for a dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and welcoming mainstream college in Redbridge, working within their specialist SEND department.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference, supporting students with additional needs in a structured, smaller-class environment.

The Role

You will be working within a SEND provision inside a mainstream college, supporting students with:

• Low-level Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with some students working at a much younger developmental age
• Additional needs including ADHD, challenging behaviour and medical needs
• Personal care requirements, which are an essential part of the role
• Behavioural needs, with some students requiring dedicated 1:1 support and crisis intervention
• Students who may require de-escalation and positive behaviour management strategies

The department consists of 8 classes, offering a more focused and supportive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities
• Supporting teaching staff in delivering engaging and accessible lessons
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to students
• Assisting with personal care and physical needs
• Managing and supporting challenging behaviour positively and safely
• Using appropriate de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques when supporting students with behavioural challenges
• Encouraging independence and social development
• Adapting learning to meet individual needs

To be considered for this role, you must:
• Hold GCSE Maths and English (Grade A–C or equivalent)
• Be comfortable with personal care duties
• Have a genuine interest in supporting SEND learners
• Be confident managing challenging behaviour
• Have previous experience and/or recognised training in crisis intervention, de-escalation or positive behaviour management
• Be confident providing 1:1 support to students who may display behavioural challenges

Preferred Experience
• Previous experience within a school, college or specialist SEND setting
• AND/OR experience within a care or support setting working with young adults with SEND
• Experience supporting individuals with ASD, ADHD, SEMH and/or behaviours that challenge

Important Information

This is a highly rewarding but hands-on role. Some students require 1:1 behavioural support, so candidates must have appropriate crisis intervention, de-escalation or behaviour management experience/training.

Please carefully consider all aspects of the position, including personal care and behavioural support, before applying. Candidates must be fully comfortable with all responsibilities to be put forward.

INDLON