Graduate Pathway into Justice, Rehabilitation, and Restorative Practice
Are you motivated to help break the cycle of offending and give vulnerable young people a chance to rewrite their future? Do you see yourself working in probation, youth justice, or criminal rehabilitation? This Learning Support Assistant (LSA) role in Reading offers the kind of first-hand experience that bridges the classroom and the justice system—equipping you with the restorative, relational, and safeguarding skills employers look for.
Location: Reading
Pay: £101.40 - £105 per day (paid weekly)
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:45pm, term-time only
Start: September 2025 (trial days available July/early September)
Contract: Long-term, full-time, potential to go permanent
Why This Role is a Direct Stepping Stone to Probation & Justice Work
In probation and youth justice, understanding behaviour, building trust, and applying restorative strategies are crucial. You'll work with children and adolescents—many with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs—who are at risk of disengaging from education and potentially becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
By applying restorative principles—repairing relationships, promoting accountability, and fostering empathy—you'll see how early, consistent intervention can change a young person's life. This is the groundwork of rehabilitation and mirrors the essence of probation practice.
Your Role as a Learning Support Assistant
You'll be part of a dedicated team in a specialist school, supporting pupils with:
* Autism (low to high support needs)
* Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
* Speech, language, and communication differences
* SEMH challenges, including trauma-related behaviours
Your day-to-day will involve:
* Delivering 1:1 and small group support, focusing on both learning and emotional regulation
* Applying de-escalation, restorative dialogue, and behaviour regulation strategies
* Supporting transitions and routines to reduce anxiety and improve stability
* Working alongside teachers, therapists, and families to create individualised support plans
* Promoting emotional literacy, resilience, and pro-social skills—key qualities in preventing future offending
Ideal backgrounds include:
* Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Education
* Those aiming for Probation, Youth Justice, Social Work, or Rehabilitation
* Individuals passionate about safeguarding, restorative justice, and trauma-informed care
Requirements:
* A resilient, empathetic approach to challenging behaviour
* Strong communication skills and respect for neurodiversity
* An Enhanced DBS (or willingness to apply)
* The ability to commit for the academic year to provide consistency for pupils
Why This Experience Matters for Your Career
Working with pupils who've experienced exclusion, adversity, or fractured relationships gives you a deep understanding of the root causes of offending. You'll learn how to:
* Address behaviour
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