Overview
Learning Support Assistant – Complex Care at Navigators
Learning Support Assistant – Complex Care role within an Alternative Provision setting. This position focuses on delivering high-quality, person-centred support to students with complex care needs to access the curriculum, develop independence, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Role Purpose
The Learning Support Assistant plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, person-centred support to students with complex care needs within an Alternative Provision setting. This role ensures vulnerable learners with significant barriers to learning receive tailored educational, physical, and emotional support to access the curriculum, develop independence, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the postholder will lead by example in delivering adapted learning activities, implementing care routines, and using specialist strategies to promote communication, engagement, and wellbeing. They will also contribute to inclusive practices and collaborate with families and professionals for a holistic support approach.
This role requires a compassionate, skilled, and resilient practitioner committed to safeguarding, inclusive education, and improving life chances for students with complex needs.
Context of Cohort
Learners have a diagnosis of ASD or Global Delay and sensory needs. Most require support with self and intimate care, transport, and safety in college and the community. They work within pre-KS1 or KS1 curriculum levels for English and Maths, supported by visuals and communication aids. Learners benefit from sensory and well-resourced practical activities, group work for social development, quiet spaces, and 1:1 activities.
Key Responsibilities
* Specialist Student Support
o Provide high-level support for students with SLD and complex medical/physical needs
o Implement and monitor personalised care and learning plans
o Support with personal care, feeding, mobility, and medical routines
* Learning and Engagement
o Adapt and deliver learning activities for diverse sensory, cognitive, and communication needs
o Use Makaton, PECS, sensory resources, and structured routines
o Encourage independence, communication, and emotional regulation
o Contribute to student progress assessment and record-keeping
o Work with teachers, therapists, and external professionals
o Participate in planning, assessment, EHCP reviews, and multi-agency meetings
o Mentor and support junior staff
* Health, Safety and Wellbeing
o Follow safeguarding, health & safety, and medical protocols
o Maintain accurate records of care routines and interventions
o Promote a calm, safe, and inclusive environment
o Implement behaviour support strategies, including positive handling techniques (e.g., Team Teach)
* Skills and Abilities
o Specialist knowledge of SLD and complex medical needs
o Adaptability in dynamic and challenging environments
o Effective communication, including AAC methods (Makaton, PECS)
o Empathy and patience for students with limited verbal communication
o Teamwork and collaboration with staff and professionals
o Initiative and problem-solving in adapting materials and strategies
o Organisational skills for managing responsibilities and records
o Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education
o Resilience and emotional maturity for the demands of the role
* Experience and Qualifications
o Qualification in Supporting Teaching & Learning or Health & Social Care
o Experience in alternative provision, special school, or PRU
o Training in manual handling, medical procedures, and behaviour support
o Experience supporting children/young people with SLD and complex care needs
o Confidence in personal care and medical routines
o Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
o Commitment to inclusive education
o Nurturing, patient, and resilient approach
o Experience with PECS, Makaton, BSL, or AAC systems
o First aid training
o Knowledge of EHCP processes and support plan writing
* Behaviours and Attitudes
o Empathy
o Integrity
o Resilience
o Trust
o Authenticity
o Commitment
o Learning
o Respect
Declarations
We aim to create and maintain a safe environment where all young people and adults feel secure and valued. This role involves regulated activity and requires DBS checks, reference checks, and may include online searches as part of the selection process. We are committed to safeguarding and welcome applications from individuals who share our values.
Employment Type
* Full-time
Job Function
* Education and Training
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
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