The Role
Provides educational, pastoral, social, emotional, and personal care support to young adults with special educational needs and disabilities. Responsibilities include monitoring progress, adapting learning strategies, supporting communication, implementing specialist recommendations, managing challenging behaviour, assisting with personal care and mobility, contributing to reviews and support plans, and promoting independence, wellbeing, inclusion, and participation in college and community activities.
Summary Generated by Built In
Salary : £18,973.16 - £21,056.83
Hours : 32.5 Hours Per Week
Weeks: 39 Working Weeks Per Year
Job Purpose
To provide high quality learning and pastoral support to students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), enabling them to access education, develop independence, achieve their learning goals, and participate fully in college life. The Learning Support Assistant works closely with teaching staff and other professionals to deliver individualised support, promote inclusion, maintain student wellbeing, and help learners develop the skills they need for further education, employment, and independent living.
To learn more about the area of the Charity you would be working in please watch this short video - Queen Alexandra College
Interviews to be held on 15th October 2026
Hours : 32.5 Hours Per Week
Weeks: 39 Working Weeks Per Year
Job Purpose
To provide high quality learning and pastoral support to students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), enabling them to access education, develop independence, achieve their learning goals, and participate fully in college life. The Learning Support Assistant works closely with teaching staff and other professionals to deliver individualised support, promote inclusion, maintain student wellbeing, and help learners develop the skills they need for further education, employment, and independent living.
To learn more about the area of the Charity you would be working in please watch this short video - Queen Alexandra College
Interviews to be held on 15th October 2026
Key Responsibilities & Safeguarding
Learning
• Recognising & Recording progress of students against their targets
• Understand Curriculum area and broad course objectives including the techniques utilised to evidence progress (such as photographs, videos, and witness statements).
• Participate in team meetings
• Adaptable approach to different learning styles of our students
• Understand disability theory & practical implementation of this to engage students in learning
• Adapt styles of communication to develop a positive and constructive learning environment
• Liaise and implement strategies from specialists (IT/SLT/ Physio)
• Support communication through the development of your own skills in communication methods (PECs/Makaton/BSL)
• Support Tutors to ensure the classroom environment is suitable for students sensory or support needs
• Support Tutor in the creation and preparation of differentiated resources.
Personal Tutoring
• Undertake tutorials with your assigned students on a regularly directed basis.
• Agree with your assigned students, a range of targets and review these regularly.
• Attend and participate in the annual and transitions reviews for your students
Social & Emotional Support
• Recognise the social and emotional needs of our students and adapt your support in line with the agreed strategies to support positive improvements
• Contribute to the development and updating of Positive Support Plans and Risk Assessments
• De-escalate behaviour that challenges in line with the positive behaviour support plan, utilising all training and MAPA techniques where applicable.
• Undertake preventative work to reduce the likelihood of behaviour that challenges.
Break & Lunch Support
• During unstructured time, support students to ensure ratios and safety are addressed at all times.
• Support the students to engage with their peers or chosen activities.
• Lead and support students during club/ directed study or enrichment activities, sharing your knowledge where applicable.
Personal Care
• Support students with a range of hygiene needs, including feeding, toileting and changing clothes.
• Ensure the personal care needs are met in line with care plan and performed with respect and dignity.
• Support students to access the full campus and activities, which may require you to push wheelchairs/ guide wheelchairs/ sighted guide students.
General
• Use technology to access information on students to ensure their support needs are met.
• Ability to talk to external professionals, families and careers, where directed to support students
• Participate in personal education, including mandatory and skills development training
• Actively engage with Peer Mentoring for yourself, along with new and existing colleagues.
• Support students to access activities in the community to develop their independence.
Other Duties
QAC employees may be expected to undertake designated emergency response duties as part of their role. This includes:
• Receiving appropriate training, instruction and information to carry out emergency procedures safely and effectively.
• Responding to emergency situations in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Supporting the organisation’s compliance with relevant Health and Safety legislation.
Please take time to review the job description attached.
Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school, including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.
Safeguarding Commitments
As part of our commitment to safeguarding, and in line with updated guidance published in September 2026, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information.
Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are available here.
We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All required pre-employment checks will be undertaken, and offers of employment are subject to satisfactory outcomes. These include an enhanced DBS check with Children & Adult’s Barred List information, identity checks, online checks, and verification of professional qualifications and references. Further details are available in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Recognising & Recording progress of students against their targets
• Understand Curriculum area and broad course objectives including the techniques utilised to evidence progress (such as photographs, videos, and witness statements).
• Participate in team meetings
• Adaptable approach to different learning styles of our students
• Understand disability theory & practical implementation of this to engage students in learning
• Adapt styles of communication to develop a positive and constructive learning environment
• Liaise and implement strategies from specialists (IT/SLT/ Physio)
• Support communication through the development of your own skills in communication methods (PECs/Makaton/BSL)
• Support Tutors to ensure the classroom environment is suitable for students sensory or support needs
• Support Tutor in the creation and preparation of differentiated resources.
Personal Tutoring
• Undertake tutorials with your assigned students on a regularly directed basis.
• Agree with your assigned students, a range of targets and review these regularly.
• Attend and participate in the annual and transitions reviews for your students
Social & Emotional Support
• Recognise the social and emotional needs of our students and adapt your support in line with the agreed strategies to support positive improvements
• Contribute to the development and updating of Positive Support Plans and Risk Assessments
• De-escalate behaviour that challenges in line with the positive behaviour support plan, utilising all training and MAPA techniques where applicable.
• Undertake preventative work to reduce the likelihood of behaviour that challenges.
Break & Lunch Support
• During unstructured time, support students to ensure ratios and safety are addressed at all times.
• Support the students to engage with their peers or chosen activities.
• Lead and support students during club/ directed study or enrichment activities, sharing your knowledge where applicable.
Personal Care
• Support students with a range of hygiene needs, including feeding, toileting and changing clothes.
• Ensure the personal care needs are met in line with care plan and performed with respect and dignity.
• Support students to access the full campus and activities, which may require you to push wheelchairs/ guide wheelchairs/ sighted guide students.
General
• Use technology to access information on students to ensure their support needs are met.
• Ability to talk to external professionals, families and careers, where directed to support students
• Participate in personal education, including mandatory and skills development training
• Actively engage with Peer Mentoring for yourself, along with new and existing colleagues.
• Support students to access activities in the community to develop their independence.
Other Duties
QAC employees may be expected to undertake designated emergency response duties as part of their role. This includes:
• Receiving appropriate training, instruction and information to carry out emergency procedures safely and effectively.
• Responding to emergency situations in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Supporting the organisation’s compliance with relevant Health and Safety legislation.
Please take time to review the job description attached.
Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school, including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.
Safeguarding Commitments
As part of our commitment to safeguarding, and in line with updated guidance published in September 2026, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information.
Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are available here.
We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All required pre-employment checks will be undertaken, and offers of employment are subject to satisfactory outcomes. These include an enhanced DBS check with Children & Adult’s Barred List information, identity checks, online checks, and verification of professional qualifications and references. Further details are available in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential Criteria:
- Level 2 – English & Maths (equivalent)
- Experience of working effectively with young adults with barriers to learning
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
- Good IT skills, including word processing, Excel and Microsoft Programmes
- Ability to communicate effectively with young adults with barriers to learning, including those who may present behaviours that challenge
- To have previous experience of SEN learners with moderate to severe learning difficulties and be able to provide the associated curriculum, approaches and strategies.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents, carers, and other external contacts, at all levels, using a variety of media.
- To be able to demonstrate learning strategies as appropriate to people with visual impairment and autism and/ or complex disabilities.
- To be familiar with communication methods and access technology as appropriate to learners with visual impairment and other disabilities
For further information on person specification please read the job description attached
Benefits
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment?
If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.
Queen Alexandra Charity offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.
Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:
If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.
Queen Alexandra Charity offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.
Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:
- Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals
- Make a difference to the educational experience of young people
- Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education
- Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence
- Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.
Our benefits include;
Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)
- Access to on site car parking
- Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
- Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
- Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
- QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
- BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
- Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
- Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
- Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
- Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
- Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
- Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
- Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
- Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
- Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
- On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
- Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
- Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.
About
Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC) provides education, residential support, community services and enterprises in support of young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high. We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly. Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).All students, clients and staff are supported within safe and well-resourced environments. QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team. We continue to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre, who are proud of QAC’s achievements and who wish to be an integral part of ongoing and future successes. As Leaders in Diversity which drives the culture at QAC and we warmly welcome applications from individuals who share our values, from all backgrounds, to add to our committed and diverse team.
Skills Required
- Level 2 qualification in English and Maths or equivalent
- Experience working effectively with young adults with barriers to learning
- Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
- Good IT skills, including word processing, Excel, and Microsoft programmes
- Ability to communicate effectively with young adults who have barriers to learning, including those who may present challenging behaviour
- Previous experience supporting learners with moderate to severe learning difficulties, including associated curricula, approaches, and strategies
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents, carers, and external contacts using varied media
- Ability to demonstrate learning strategies for people with visual impairment, autism, and/or complex disabilities
- Familiarity with communication methods and access technology for learners with visual impairment and other disabilities
- Enhanced DBS check with Children and Adults' Barred List information
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The Company
What We Do
Queen Alexandra Charity, Birmingham is a registered charity that runs specialist further education college services, residential services, community services and enterprises. These services benefit adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and those with sight loss. Queen Alexandra College (QAC) is a national day and residential College for people aged 16-25. The College has been at its current location in Harborne since 1903 and offers an innovative and holistic approach to learning and support for young adults with a diverse range of abilities and needs. Our curriculum is designed to maximise adult life opportunities, develop independence and work skills. Programmes are delivered from pre-entry to level 3 and are tailored to suit individual needs, interests and ambitions. Students studying at QAC may wish to consider joining us as a residential student. Part time, full time (term time only) and respite options are available to enable students to develop their independent living and social skills. Following their time at QAC some students choose to move onto our ‘Independence Plus’ Supported Living programme. Clients on this programme still need support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides clients with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Queen Alexandra Community Services offers a range of services for people with disabilities in the community including a PA/support worker service, social and/or peer groups delivered from our Community Services Hub in Stirchley and leisure activities. QAC Enterprises Ltd consists of a wide range of businesses that support the work of the Charity including all formats transcription services, Sight Village and Revolution Advantage carbon fibre canes. All profits are paid into the charity and help to enhance the experience for our students and clients. For more information about our services please call 0121 428 5050 or email [email protected].
