Learning Support Assistant

A fantastic opportunity to join the transformational learning support team at one of the largest UTCs in England and the first to achieve Ofsted Outstanding status. UTC Reading is a thriving environment within an ambitious and forward-thinking MAT, Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET). We are rapidly adaptive and not afraid to ‘just do it’. Our alumni take up successful careers through university degrees (including Oxbridge), apprenticeships and employment across the digital and computing sector.

This new Learning Support Assistants will join a SENDCo along with a team of learning support assistants who work closely together to support our students with Special Educational Needs. You will join this hardworking and committed team that supports genuine transformation in students through a variety of learning experiences to ensure our students are prepared for the world of work in the computing and engineering industries. Achieving excellent results for your students, instilling in them a love for the subject and a desire to learn.  We are looking for someone who will inspire and enthuse our students and will support the delivery of an outstanding and enriched curriculum.

Throughout our history, a number of learning support assistants have used this role to develop the foundations to enter a career in teaching within the UTC and other areas of education. If you are considering a teaching role in the future, becoming a learning support assistant can be a great way to start.

Absolute musts for this role:

• Enthusiasm for teaching and learning and helping others

• A self-starter, able to work independently but with a well-developed understanding of the need for team communication

• A desire to deliver the most memorable, engaging, and career-relevant learning experiences that you can

• A team player who wants to contribute strongly to the evolution of the courses, facilities and our ‘real world’ links

• Passionate about the creation of the next generation of professional computer scientists and digital professionals

• Have an “I can’t do it (yet)” mentality

Up for the challenge? Then let’s talk!

All students at UTC Reading specialise in either Engineering, Computer Science or STEM; at KS4 they also study a focused and responsive curriculum to these specialisms. At Post 16 the curriculum becomes more specialist where students can study one of three routes: Technical, Hybrid, or A Level. In the technical route they will either study a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computing or Engineering. In the Hybrid Route, they will study a technical qualification in engineering or computing alongside two A Levels. In the A Level route they will study 3 A Levels. Each year we educate 500 young people who have a passion for Engineering or Computer Science; it is a truly inspirational environment.

This an incredible time to be joining our trust. As well as our four UTCs, (Reading, Heathrow, Swindon and Oxfordshire) we also have two comprehensive schools, Theale Green School and The Bicester School. The vision of ALET is ‘Transforming Lives Through Learning’ and each of our schools and UTCs are uniquely placed to deliver this vision for every member of the communities they serve. By joining our trust, not only will you have an opportunity transform the lives of young people, but you will also have the chance to transform yours through collaborative working and professional development opportunities to help you progress in your career.

If you believe that this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and substantially contribute to an exciting future for UTC Reading and ALET then you are encouraged to explore further by contacting the Assistant Principal – Jennie Thomson, via jessica.bryant@utcreading.org.uk for a more detailed discussion, if required.

Completed application forms and an accompanying supporting letter should be emailed no later than Thursday 7th July 2022 at 17:00 to: jessica.bryant@utcreading.org.uk

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.