Job Title: Learning Support Assistant
Location: Parkside House School, Ashington NE63 8AP & Backworth NE27 0AB
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 08:30-16:00
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: November 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
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’ll Do
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 We’re Looking For
We're looking for people with the right values, attitude and commitment to making a difference.
GCSE English and Maths Grade 4/C or above or equivalent required
A caring, patient and resilient approach
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
The ability to stay calm and positive in challenging situations
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
Welcome to Parkside House School, an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Independent Special School with sites in Backworth and Ashington. We provide specialist teaching, small class sizes, bespoke timetables, and a nurturing, friendly environment for students aged KS2 Year 6–KS5. Our school supports students with SEMH needs and associated learning difficulties, including autism, ADHD, attachment disorders, and oppositional defiance disorder. students thrive academically, socially, and personally, guided by a passionate, experienced team dedicated to unlocking their potential.
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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Salary description
£22161.00 - £22161.00 per year