Ref: LSAV/SH3

Skills Hub / Academy of Arts & Science

Learning Support Assistant
Job Description

College Context
The College is the largest provider of Further Education and the only provider of Higher
Education within the London Borough of Havering.
The student population is
approximately 13,000 (6,200 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs)). Higher Education accounts
for approximately 13% of student FTE enrolments, including BA (Hons) Education and
Training, and an HND in Engineering.
Reporting Relationships
Responsible to:

Support Co-ordinator

Job Purpose
To provide support for groups of students and individual students, who have been
assessed and identified as requiring additional learning support, both in classes and
around the college. To ensure they are given an equal opportunity of achieving their
qualification aims.
You will be required to work across all sites.

Duties and Responsibilities

The specific duties of each Learning Support Assistant will largely depend upon the
requirements of the student/s they are supporting.
Duties include:
Supporting Learning
To assist lecturers within the classroom supporting groups of students with learning
and/or physical disabilities and/or difficulties.
To be aware of lesson objectives.
Take direction from the lecturer
Act as the teachers prompt and advocating for the student
In cases where appropriate, to assist the student with note taking, reading, writing and
comprehension of text.
Keeping learners on task
Take on responsibility for:

o Revisiting the key points with students in need of consolidation work

o Contribute to forward planning
o Keeping a record of significant observation to share with the teacher
To encourage the student to develop independent learning and study skills.
Providing 1:1 and / or small group study skills support to learners

General
To record relevant information in student logs, in order to produce auditable evidence.
To liaise with teaching/administrative staff to ensure the best possible service is
provided to the student and that the practices implemented are in line with college
policies and procedures.
Accompany the student on study related educational trips / work placements.
Supporting the teacher in addressing behaviour management issues.
To provide support and assistance to students during lunch and break periods.
Undertake job related training and development as appropriate, for example, gaining a
working knowledge of the students disability and/or learning difficulty and its
ramifications.
To attend in-service and staff meetings.
Maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
To actively promote the Colleges Equality policy on disability and learning difficulty.

Providing Care
To provide specific personal care to students, where appropriate; for example,
assistance using specialist equipment, such as hoists.
Administration of medication if required. (Full training will be given).
The above list is neither exhaustive nor exclusive, and the post-holder will be expected to undertake any
other duties within his/her capability and experience that may be relevant and necessary to fulfil the post
effectively.

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Other Information
Equal Opportunities
The College is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity and requires that the
post-holder adheres to the Colleges Equality & Dignity at Work Policies. The aim is to
ensure that no colleagues, learners, potential employees, governors, visitors or others are
harassed, or receive less favourable treatment on the grounds sex, race, disability, age,
sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy
and maternity.
Training and Appraisal
Opportunities for training are available to all members of staff, and you may be required to
attend, from time to time, training courses concerning your employment. The College also
operates an Appraisal System, and all members of staff are expected to take part in the
process.
Health and Safety
Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 it is the responsibility of individual employees
at every level to take care of their own health and safety at work and that of others who
may be affected by their acts at work. This includes co-operating with management in
complying with health and safety obligations, particularly by reporting promptly any
defects, risks or potential hazards.
Data Protection
Computer information should only be accessed if this has been authorised and is
necessary as part of the post holders work. Unauthorised action being taken, in
accordance with the Colleges disciplinary procedure, may lead to dismissal. The post
holders attention is also drawn to the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Computer Misuse
Act 1990.

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May 2012

Havering College of Further and Higher Education

Skills Hub

Learning Support Assistant

Person Specification
Requirements
Educational
attainment

Essential
GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above, or
equivalent qualifications.
A level 3 qualification in Learning Support or the
willingness and ability to complete this qualification within
two years to taking up the post .
First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain this
Knowledge of the barriers that learners with disabilities
face and the skills to enable access to the curriculum for
these students
Able to work with people with literacy and or numeracy
difficulties
Proven ability to work in an educational setting with
students with disabilities
Proven ability to work both independently and
collaboratively within a team and with others

Knowledge, Skills
and Aptitudes
required

Good IT skills
Ability to use own initiative and deal with challenges in a
range of settings
Able to write concise reports and keep up to date records
Motivation to work with young adults
Able to adapt learning materials to suit the learners
needs
A commitment to supporting the Colleges policies,
particularly in the area of Equal Opportunities.
Understanding of Equality Act requirements.
Able to undertake Risk Assessments, or willing to
undertake relevant training in order to do so
Aptitude to motivate and supervise others
Carry out Initial Assessments under supervision

Experience required

Experience of supporting young people or adults with

learning difficulties and or disabilities

Circumstances

Although this post is based in one location, it will be

necessary for you to travel between sites in the course of
your work, so willingness and ability to travel is essential.
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Values

'Demonstrable commitment to the values of the college

[Passionate, Inclusive, Innovative & Optimistic], including
its commitment to promoting equality and diversity in
employment.'

In addition to candidates ability to perform the duties of the post, the interview will also
explore issues in relation to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young adults
including;
Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with
young adults
Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
Attitude towards the use of authority and maintaining discipline
Patience, tolerance and empathy towards a range of students with differing support
needs and requirements
A proactive approach to resolving practical and operational problems whilst
remaining within agreed college policies and procedures

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Havering College of Further and Higher Education

Department of Skills for Life Hub
Learning Support Assistant

Conditions of Service
Contract:

Variable hours

Annual Leave:

Full time leave entitlement is 24 days per annum. (Adjusted accordingly for
part time roles) Standard public holidays are in addition to this. The leave
year runs from 1 September to 31 August.

Hours of Employment:

Variable over 36 working weeks per year (term-time).

Salary:

8.13 per hour Salaries are paid monthly on the last working day of the
month. You will be required to have an account with a bank or building
society, which can accept a direct credit transfer.

Probationary Period:

6 months.

Location:

Staff are required to work on any site as required.

Smoking:

A No Smoking Policy is in operation throughout the College.

Termination:

1 months written notice on either side.

Medical Report:

Upon appointment, you will be required to complete a Medical

Questionnaire and may be required to undergo a medical examination.

DBS Check:

An enhanced DBS check is required for all posts within the College before
you start work.

References:

The appointment is subject to two references, which are satisfactory to us.

Appointment subject to:

The conditions of service for Support Staff as recommended by the

Colleges Employers Forum as adopted by the Colleges Governing Body.

Pension:

A pension scheme is in operation through the Local Government Pension

Scheme, but persons appointed may make their own arrangements. The
contribution rate for the LGPS is variable between 5.5% and 7.5% of your
Gross salary, dependent on your earnings, deducted on a monthly basis.

Representation:

The College recognises UNISON as the appropriate Trade Union for raising
matters of staff concern.

Car Allowances:

A staff travel and subsistence policy is in operation at the College and staff
travelling between sites and on College business can claim a mileage rate
for using their car. The College does not operate a car loan scheme.

Additional Employment:

Staff are not allowed to engage as an employee, consultant, partner,

proprietor or director in any other business without the prior written consent
of the Principal.

NB: The details shown under the heading Conditions of Service are for broad information only and must not be taken as a complete or
authoritative statement. In no way do they constitute a contract of employment.

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