Learning Support Assistant-Complex Care

OverviewLearning Support Assistant – Complex Care

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Learning Support Assistant – Complex Care role within an Alternative Provision setting. This position focuses on delivering high-quality, person-centred support to students with complex care needs to access the curriculum, develop independence, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Role PurposeThe Learning Support Assistant plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, person-centred support to students with complex care needs within an Alternative Provision setting. This role ensures vulnerable learners with significant barriers to learning receive tailored educational, physical, and emotional support to access the curriculum, develop independence, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the postholder will lead by example in delivering adapted learning activities, implementing care routines, and using specialist strategies to promote communication, engagement, and wellbeing. They will also contribute to inclusive practices and collaborate with families and professionals for a holistic support approach.

This role requires a compassionate, skilled, and resilient practitioner committed to safeguarding, inclusive education, and improving life chances for students with complex needs.

Context of CohortLearners have a diagnosis of ASD or Global Delay and sensory needs. Most require support with self and intimate care, transport, and safety in college and the community. They work within pre-KS1 or KS1 curriculum levels for English and Maths, supported by visuals and communication aids. Learners benefit from sensory and well-resourced practical activities, group work for social development, quiet spaces, and 1:1 activities.

Key Responsibilities

Specialist Student Support

Provide high-level support for students with SLD and complex medical/physical needs

Implement and monitor personalised care and learning plans

Support with personal care, feeding, mobility, and medical routines

Learning and Engagement

Adapt and deliver learning activities for diverse sensory, cognitive, and communication needs

Use Makaton, PECS, sensory resources, and structured routines

Encourage independence, communication, and emotional regulation

Contribute to student progress assessment and record-keeping

Work with teachers, therapists, and external professionals

Participate in planning, assessment, EHCP reviews, and multi-agency meetings

Mentor and support junior staff

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and medical protocols

Maintain accurate records of care routines and interventions

Promote a calm, safe, and inclusive environment

Implement behaviour support strategies, including positive handling techniques (e.g., Team Teach)

Skills and Abilities

Specialist knowledge of SLD and complex medical needs

Adaptability in dynamic and challenging environments

Effective communication, including AAC methods (Makaton, PECS)

Empathy and patience for students with limited verbal communication

Teamwork and collaboration with staff and professionals

Initiative and problem-solving in adapting materials and strategies

Organisational skills for managing responsibilities and records

Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education

Resilience and emotional maturity for the demands of the role

Experience and Qualifications

Qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning or Health and Social Care

Experience in alternative provision, special school, or PRU

Training in manual handling, medical procedures, and behaviour support

Experience supporting children/young people with SLD and complex care needs

Confidence in personal care and medical routines

Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills

Commitment to inclusive education

Nurturing, patient, and resilient approach

Experience with PECS, Makaton, BSL, or AAC systems

First aid training

Knowledge of EHCP processes and support plan writing

Behaviours and Attitudes

Empathy

Integrity

Resilience

Trust

Authenticity

Commitment

Learning

Respect

DeclarationsWe aim to create and maintain a safe environment where all young people and adults feel secure and valued. This role involves regulated activity and requires DBS checks, reference checks, and may include online searches as part of the selection process. We are committed to safeguarding and welcome applications from individuals who share our values.

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Education and Training

Manchester, England, United ..... full job details .....