Learning Support Coordinator

The Learning Support Coordinator role is designed to work alongside the Learning Support Manager to primarily oversee the operations of the Learning Support team. The role will be working to provide welfare and learning support to young people aged 14-19 studying at Dv8 Sussex. Demonstrating best practice in the support of young people with identified learning difficulties, disabilities or special educational needs, this role will support young people to overcome barriers to learning and to successfully achieve all elements of their learning programme. 

Learning Support Coordinators will support the supervision of a small team who work 1:1, or with small groups of specific learners, as well as some time spent in classrooms as required.

Company outline:

Dv8 Sussex specialises in delivering innovative training for young people across a range of creative subjects. All courses are taught by industry professionals and designed to provide a real experience of working in a creative environment.

We recognise the strengths of learning through doing something that is challenging, inspiring and fun. The young people on our courses are supported to progress into employment, apprenticeships or further education following their time with us. All courses contain qualifications embedded within activities (such as successfully releasing a music track and staging live performances and events). In addition to vocational subjects, students also undertake GCSE maths & English programmes leading to exams.

Course outline:

Dv8 Sussex study programmes are industry-led creative courses that enable young adults to learn what it is like to develop skills in a professional environment. They weave accredited vocational learning, English & maths and work-related experience. Each course provides added value to students by completing a series of projects which develop a wide range of skills including enterprise, innovation and problem-solving.

Dv8 Sussex is an equal opportunities employer and positively welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding all learners enrolled on our programmes and appointment of successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory references being obtained, and an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

Key Duties Associated with the job role 

• Support the team and Learning Support Manager in day to day running of Learning Support.
• Support the process of assessment which identifies students' needs and informs strategies of appropriate support.
• Support the coordination and delivery of additional learning support, either in the classroom or through  1-2-1 or small group work to ensure students with barriers can achieve their main programme aims.  
• Work with Learning Support Manager to devise and implement strategies for additional learning support in English and Maths
• Take an active role on the Safeguarding Advisory Panel to ensure safeguarding is prioritised within the organisation. Assist with training staff accordingly.
• Manage the collection of data for the students accessing Learning Support and the overseeing of the Students Notes system (training will be provided).
• Liaise with Course Tutors, Curriculum Leads (CALs) and Learning Support Manager over the support requirements of individual students upon referral to the Learning Support team.
• Contribute to the monitoring, reviewing and tracking of student progress and attendance and attend student reviews.
• Take an active role in report writing, risk assessing and recording data.
• Focus on the retention of at-risk learners and monitor long periods of absence, informing CALs of any outcomes or updates. 
• Deliver scheduled sessions, or drop ins, to individual students or small groups with identified learning needs.
• Keep clear and effective records of each support session, including outcomes and progress made.
• Liaise with parents and external agencies, where appropriate, to ensure individual support and a collaborated approach is taken.
• Support Course Tutors in identifying suitable progression plans for assigned students. 
• Take an active interest in all Dv8 Study Programmes, their vocational course aims, structures and schemes of work. 
• Assist learners during examinations where appropriate. 
• Maintain and update own professional knowledge and practical skills annually including attending relevant staff development/INSET days.
• Attend and contribute to regular team meetings, including annual review and planning meetings.
• Contribute to centre related tasks as required.
• To ensure that safeguarding of learners and staff at Dv8 is paramount at all times.
• To ensure that Dv8’s Equality & Diversity policies, procedures and initiatives are actively promoted to all staff and learners at all times.

Key person characteristics sought

• Organised
• Resilient
• Perceptive 
• Empathetic
• Inclusive
• Resourceful
• Compassionate
• Dedicated to learning
• Approachable
• Creative
• Able to set and maintain clear boundaries

Essential Criteria 

• Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above.
• Strong ability of building positive relationships with young people.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A demonstrable understanding of best practice in safeguarding young people. 
• Previous experience of working with young people in a one-to-one and/or group capacity.
• Skills in managing challenging behaviour and a range of behavioural needs. 
• A demonstrable understanding of best practice in helping overcome barriers to learning.
• Experience of working with, or strong understanding of, Special Educational Needs.
• Willingness to develop own professional capacity through training and evaluate practice.
• Strong IT skills.

Desirable Criteria 

• Holding, or working towards, accredited Additional Learning Support training.
• Understanding of high needs funding and Educational Health Care Plans.
• Experience of managing or supervising others.
• Experience of working within an accredited learning environment.
• Youth work, IAG or counselling qualifications.
• Creative vocational subject knowledge, relevant to Dv8 Sussex course curricula.
• An understanding of the wider employment and educational environment.
• An understanding of key education and support theories and practices (for example coaching & mentoring; active listening, resilience, growth mindset etc)
• Advanced skills in creative and media practice.
• Teaching qualification at level 3 or higher.