Learning Support Assistant

Full Job Description

At OFG Education we put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge

Job Title:  Learning Support Assistant
Location:  Copper Fields School, Gunnislake, PL18 9EH
Hours:  37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Rota:  Monday 8.30am - 5.00pm, Tuesday to Friday 8.30am - 3.50pm
Salary:  £23,080.50 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:  January 2027    
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you passionate about supporting young people with special educational needs and helping them achieve things they never thought possible? At Copper Fields School, we're looking for a caring, enthusiastic and resilient Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated team and make a meaningful difference to young people with SEN, autism and additional needs.

This is more than supporting learning. It's about building trust, inspiring confidence and helping young people believe in themselves.

Every student has their own strengths, challenges and ambitions. You'll play an important role in understanding their individual needs, breaking down barriers to learning and creating opportunities for them to grow academically, socially and emotionally.

Whether you're helping a student overcome a difficult moment, encouraging them to try something new or celebrating a personal achievement, you'll be making a difference that extends far beyond the classroom.

Working closely with teachers and specialist colleagues, you'll help create a safe, structured and nurturing environment where students feel understood, valued and motivated to succeed.

If you have experience supporting young people with SEN and want a rewarding role where your patience, encouragement and commitment truly matter, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Help students achieve their potential, providing one-to-one and small-group support tailored to individual learning needs and personal goals.
• Make learning engaging and accessible, working alongside teachers to deliver creative, personalised activities that encourage participation and progress.
• Build meaningful relationships, becoming a trusted and consistent source of encouragement, reassurance and support.
• Develop confidence and independence, helping students strengthen communication, social skills and everyday life skills.
• Support emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour, using calm, consistent and nurturing approaches to help students manage challenges.
• Celebrate progress, contributing to individual education and support plans, monitoring achievements and sharing observations with colleagues.
• Bring learning beyond the classroom, preparing resources and supporting educational visits, enrichment activities and practical learning experiences.
• Champion safeguarding and inclusion, working collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who understands that progress looks different for every young person and who has the patience, enthusiasm and determination to help them succeed.

You'll bring:

• A genuine passion for supporting young people with SEN, autism and additional learning needs.
• A caring, patient and compassionate approach, with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships.
• The confidence to adapt your support to meet different learning styles, abilities and emotional needs.
• A calm, resilient and positive attitude when supporting students through challenging situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively alongside teachers and colleagues.
• A proactive and enthusiastic approach to encouraging engagement, independence and personal development.
• The ability to recognise and celebrate individual achievements, however small.
• A willingness to learn, develop your skills and contribute to a collaborative school environment.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and student wellbeing.

Previous experience working in an SEN educational setting is highly desirable. We're particularly interested in candidates who understand the importance of consistency, positive relationships and personalised support in helping young people overcome barriers to learning.

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.

Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

Copper Fields School is a specialist co-educational school in Gunnislake, Cornwall, supporting students aged 4–16 with autism, communication and language needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, students receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and balanced curriculum, enriched by outdoor learning and local community experiences, fosters independence, confidence, and personal growth. Copper Fields celebrates every individual, empowering students to achieve their best outcomes and prepare for life beyond school.

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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