Learning Support Assistant

We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work

Job Title:  Learning Support Assistant 

Location:  Waterloo Lodge School, Chorley, Lancashire PR6 7AX

Hours:      40 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm

Salary:      £23,638 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only

Start:        October 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

At Waterloo Lodge School, we're looking for a passionate and dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join our incredible team. Whether you're already working in education, care, youth work, coaching, mental health support, or you're looking to start a rewarding new career, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Every day, you'll help students with social, emotional and mental health needs overcome barriers, build confidence, achieve meaningful progress and realise their potential. No two days are ever the same. One moment you could be supporting learning in the classroom, the next you might be helping with outdoor learning, enrichment activities, life skills development or educational visits.

This is far more than a classroom support role. It's an opportunity to be a positive role model, build life-changing relationships, and help young people believe in themselves again.

What you will be doing

Supporting students in the classroom, in small groups and on a one-to-one basis

Building positive, trusting relationships that help students feel safe, valued and ready to learn

Working alongside teachers to deliver engaging and personalised learning experiences

Encouraging students' independence, confidence, communication and social development

Supporting positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing through a calm and consistent approach

Assisting with enrichment activities, outdoor learning, educational visits and life skills opportunities

Monitoring progress and celebrating achievements, no matter how big or small

What you will bring

GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

The ability to stay calm and positive in challenging situations

A flexible and proactive attitude

Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals is beneficial but not essential

A genuine passion for helping students succeed and thrive

About Us

Waterloo Lodge School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged 11 to 17, catering primarily for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), many of whom may also have additional complex needs. We support students from Lancashire and the surrounding areas.

Our dedicated team works collaboratively to provide a safe, supportive and structured learning environment that enables every student to achieve their full potential. We are committed to nurturing each young person’s individual strengths and aspirations, supporting their independence, social and personal development.

We pride ourselves on helping students build confidence, resilience and independence, encouraging them to take pride in their achievements and to develop the skills they need for the next stage of their education and future life. Socially, we support our students to develop a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live and to participate in it with confidence and respect.

At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:

Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits

Hundreds of UK and international discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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