Exeter College is looking for staff who want a fresh challenge and to begin a new career in education.
At Exeter College, we are passionate about developing our staff – not having previous education
experience is not a barrier for us. You just need an interest in working with young people and adult
students, and to be passionate about promoting lifelong learning.
The Learning Assistant role involves supporting students with special educational needs and
disabilities in class, in a range of subjects from foundation level courses, vocational courses to A
Levels. Exeter College is the largest GCSE Maths and English retake centre in the UK, so we are
always looking for staff who see the importance of students succeeding in those subjects.
Key role objectives;
To support and work with student(s) with specific learning difficulties, medical or emotional
conditions or disabilities to access their teaching and learning opportunities within the learning environment; to provide individual/group support for learners experiencing a range of difficulties. Part of your apprenticeship would involve learning how to provide physical support/personal care. This could include supervision of medication, intimate care and assisting with exercise programmes.
During your apprenticeship you will be supported by undertaking a month long induction programme, as well as having a mentor. As you get used to your new role and duties, you will work alongside experienced support staff. You will also have one study day per month where you get to consolidate the practical side of your job with academic learning.
Main Duties:
1. To support the student(s) access and to achieve their primary learning goal.
2. To facilitate their integration into mainstream learning and enrichment activities.
3. To provide assistance and support or meet possible care needs at break and meal times where necessary.
4. To provide learning assistance on a 1:1 or small group basis when needed
5. To assist in the monitoring and review of the student’s progress.
6. To liaise with teaching and specialist staff to enable the student(s) to maximise their potential.
7. To work closely with and assist the teaching staff in the classroom/learning environment to enable the student to achieve whilst at the same time, maximising their independence.
8. To work in the varied learning settings to ensure that all policies and procedures are complied with special reference to health and safety.
9. To accompany the student(s) on residential, day trips, or work experience as required.
10. To continue to provide learning assistance where necessary in times of assessment of formal examinations.
11. To be available to assist other students in the classroom or College if required.
12. To be willing to undertake any appropriate training to meet specific needs such as the operation of specialist equipment, personal care, lifting, medication, first aid, or qualification appropriate to role etc.
13. To complete administrative tasks to support the learner’s wider curriculum needs e.g. liaison and monitoring of work placements.
Mandatory Duties:
1. Responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults in College.
2. Promote and conduct your professional duties and responsibilities within the parameters of the College’s agreed values and aims.
3. Commitment to Equal Opportunities.
You would be studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in
Schools, alongside working as a Learning Assistant. Your working week would be over 5 days from
9:00am – 4:30pm, with an apprenticeship study day. This would also include studying for a L2
Functional Skills ICT qualification. You will be contracted to work for 38 weeks of the year, leaving
the college holidays to pursue your other interests, or meet other commitments. If you are looking
for a career in education, then this apprenticeship is perfect for you.