Specialist Learning Support Assistant

Specialist Learning Support Assistant – Ashington

Mainstream & Specialist Education Settings | Flexible & Long-Term Opportunities

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people who may need a different approach to education?

Ripple Education is a local education recruitment agency working with schools, nurseries and specialist settings across the North East. We believe in finding the right person, not just a person, for every setting. Children are at the heart of every decision we make.

We’re looking for patient, resilient and compassionate Learning Support Assistants who can build positive relationships with young people and help them engage successfully with education.

Our specialist opportunities include supporting children and young people who may have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, additional SEND needs, have experienced disruption to their education, or require additional support to successfully engage with learning.

Opportunities Available

We are currently recruiting Learning Support Assistants for:

• Full-time positions
• Part-time positions
• Flexible and ad hoc work
• Short and long-term placements

Why work with Ripple?

• Weekly pay and holiday pay
• Flexible and long-term opportunities
• Access to specialist training and professional development
• A friendly, supportive team who get to know you
• Support from experienced teachers and education professionals
• Placements matched to your skills, experience and availability

Want to know what it’s really like working with Ripple? Take a look at our Google reviews and hear directly from the team who work with us.

What we’re looking for

You’ll ideally have:

• Relevant experience supporting children or young people
• A calm, consistent and compassionate approach
• The ability to establish positive relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries
• Confidence supporting children and young people with additional needs
• A good understanding of safeguarding
• The resilience and flexibility to adapt your approach to individual pupils
• A willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development

A relevant Teaching Assistant or Learning Support qualification would be beneficial.

Previous experience within SEND, SEMH, Alternative Provision, PRU or specialist education is highly valued. We also welcome applications from people with relevant experience in areas such as residential care, youth work or other child-focused settings whose skills and approach may transfer effectively into specialist education.

We’ll take the time to understand your experience, strengths and suitability before matching you with an opportunity.

The role

Depending on the placement, you may:

• Provide 1:1, small-group and classroom support
• Support pupils with their learning and emotional development
• Help pupils develop confidence, resilience and engagement with education
• Support teachers in delivering structured lessons and interventions
• Build trusted and consistent relationships with young people
• Use positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies
• Support personal development, independence and life skills
• Work closely with teachers, support staff and other professionals
• Follow the setting and Ripple Education safeguarding procedures at all times

Safer Recruitment Requirements

We take our responsibility to safeguard children extremely seriously. All applicants must fully engage with Ripple Education’s rigorous and robust safer recruitment process before they can be considered for work.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS and relevant barred list checks
• Full employment and education history, including explanations for any gaps
• Suitable professional references
• Right to Work and identity checks
• Qualification checks, where applicable
• Safeguarding and suitability declarations

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please note, Ripple Education is unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Our recruitment process is intentionally thorough because the safety and welfare of children will always come first.

Ready to join Ripple?

Apply today with your CV, or complete our application form directly:

https://hub.rocket-recruitment.co.uk/ripple-education

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, a full application form must be completed before interview.

Ripple Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Join our team and help create positive educational experiences for children and young people across the North East.