Learning Support Associate

The Learning Support department

The Learning Support department is centrally placed at Lancing. We are based in a fully resourced suite of rooms that includes three small teaching rooms, a computer workspace and an office. The Learning Support department is led by the Head of Learning Support (SENCO) and a team made up of an Access Arrangements Assessor, a Specialist Teacher (SpLD 7), a Maths Teacher, a Science Teacher and a Humanities Teacher.

The department offers specialist literacy, science and maths support to individuals and small groups as well as covering areas such as revision strategies, exam techniques and use of assistive technology. Teaching happens during study lessons for Sixth form and for other students in supported study slots, in afternoon break slots, or after the school teaching day (3:35 – 5:35pm). We work with students in Year 9 (III Form), Year 10 (VI Form), Year 11 (V Form) and students in our Sixth Form.

Some students arrive at Lancing College with learning differences that have already being diagnosed such as dyslexia, ADHD and other social communication needs. Other students are identified through internal screening and assessment by a specialist teacher/assessor and the gathering and collating of staff evidence and feedback. Students are also referred to external professionals for more specialised assessments.

The department also assesses for exams access arrangements and completes the paperwork necessary to meet the requirements set out by JCQ.

The Appointment

The College is seeking an experienced and adaptable Learning Support Associate to join our well‑established SEND department. The postholder will join a supportive team that works to enable and inspire learners from Year 9 to year 13. The role involves mentoring and guiding students with additional learning needs and special educational needs and disabilities, helping them to develop confidence, independence and effective study habits. The post also includes monitoring, tracking and administrative tasks to ensure that records relating to student needs are accurate, compliant and up to date.

Working across the Senior School, you will contribute to SEND provision through one‑to‑one support sessions, small‑group teaching, targeted learning interventions and by supporting the development of effective study skills.

The department works closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams and families to ensure that every student is supported to achieve their full potential.

We are seeking a committed professional with experience supporting students with SEND in a secondary school setting, and a strong understanding of how learning differences can influence learning profiles and educational experiences.

We welcome applications from Learning Support Assistants and other professionals working within SEND teams, particularly those with experience supporting students with dyslexia, autism, ADHD and associated learning differences.

This role offers the opportunity to make a positive and meaningful contribution to students’ confidence, learning strategies and academic progress.

Job Title:                    Learning Support Associate

Reporting to:              Head of Learning Support

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• To provide mentoring and learning support to students who experience barriers to achieving their full potential.

• To deliver high‑quality support for pupils with additional needs arising from specific learning difficulties or special educational needs.

• To contribute to the creation, review and monitoring of Individual Learning Plans (ILP).

• To communicate effectively with subject teachers, tutors and House leaders to support pupil progress and ensure information is shared appropriately.

• To assist in preparing clear, informative learning support reports to support monitoring and review processes.

• To collect and organise evidence for access arrangements in accordance with JCQ requirements.

• To plan and facilitate student‑focused engagement activities during selected afternoon break sessions (1:40pm–2:20pm) that appeal to neurodiverse learners
  (e.g. origami club, drawing sessions, card‑game groups, board‑game activities).

• To support drop‑in learning support sessions for students seeking guidance with learning strategies or subject‑related questions (1:40pm–2:20pm).

• To update pupil records and maintain accurate information on the school’s management system.

• To maintain detailed, compliant and well‑organised records and documentation.

• To confidently use IT for teaching, reporting and communication.

• To promote and support the use of assistive technology where appropriate.

• To attend departmental and whole‑school inset meetings as required.

• To work with the Head of Learning Support to develop resources, strategies and best practice that support learning needs across the school.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within a SEND department in either the state or independent sector, and experience supporting students with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other associated learning differences.

• Experience of supporting secondary‑aged students, typically those aged 13 to 18.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive and professional relationships with students, parents and colleagues.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Confident in using ICT to support teaching, reporting and communication.

• Highly organised, with strong record‑keeping and time‑management skills.

• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively and support colleagues.

• Proactive, reliable, and able to use initiative to solve problems and improve processes.

• Enthusiastic, student‑focused, and able to motivate learners effectively.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice

Desirable

• Familiarity with the AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments) guidance.

• A degree in English, Humanities, Science, Maths or related subjects.

This job description sets out the main duties at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary occasionally but without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed, and the candidate will be required to carry out any reasonable requests required by their Line Manager.

Application Procedure: 

Applications should be made using the application form. Candidates are asked to add a covering letter setting out, as succinctly as possible, their reasons for applying for the position at Lancing.

Application forms are available from the College website

A full curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of a minimum of two referees, one of whom should be the candidate’s current or most recent employer should be included with the application.

Closing date: Friday 10 April 2026

Interviews: w/c 27 April 2026

The College reserves the right to call individuals to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for applications.