Job Description

About Oaks Rise

Oaks Rise is an Alternative Provision for autistic learners who have self-excluded from mainstream school due to high levels of anxiety, sensory, social and emotional needs. We support reengagement with education, rebuild self-esteem, and enable academic progress. Our education approach is neuro-affirming, structured and adult guided whilst being low demand and consent based. We put authentic relationships and trust at the heart of everything we do.

We are open from Monday to Thursday each week, term time only. Sessions run from 9.30am - 12.30pm and 13.30pm - 16.30pm. Groups are broadly split by age and each group has a maximum of 8 learners and at least one Learning Assistant in addition to the lead facilitator.

Oaks Rise is a neurodivergent-led Alternative Provision. We strive to create a positive neuroinclusive environment for all staff and we welcome applications from neurodivergent people.

About the Role

We are seeking a Learning Assistant to join our small talented and committed team. The role will work with our Learn and Thrive cohort of learners who are mainly of secondary school age and ready for slightly more structure and subject-specific lessons compared to our Reengage learner groups.

Our Learn & Thrive pupils engage with Wellbeing (based on the Oaks Rise bespoke wellbeing curriculum), Humanities, Science, English, and Maths.

The role involves working closely with our Senior Learning Facilitator plus our maths and English specialist teachers who support the Learn and Thrive groups, to support the delivery of personalised, creative and engaging sessions that prioritise relationships and wellbeing alongside academic progress.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist our Senior Learning Facilitator, English and Maths teachers to deliver lessons. Work with learners to make sure they understand & feel comfortable with the activity. Watch, record and report the progress that learners make. Support with the formative assessment and reporting process. Look after any children who are upset or unwell. Actively work with disengaged children - either supporting them one to one or re-integrating them back with the activities. Set up and tidy up the classrooms. Foster engagement, confidence and emotional wellbeing through authentic, positive relationships and encouragement. Be flexible, creative & responsive to the needs of learners in the moment. Provide feedback to learners on their achievements & progress. Meet with colleagues to discuss learners' progress, adapt activities and co-plan support strategies. Attend staff meetings and professional development training sessions as required. Maintain safeguarding standards at all times, following Oaks Rise's Child Protection and Safeguarding policies.
The duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time without changing the general purpose of the role. The candidate is therefore requested to maintain a flexible and helpful approach and undertake other duties as requested to assist the Senior Learning Facilitator.

Salary and benefits

Competitive salary - starting range from 21,000 - 23,000, pro-rata for a 3 or 3.5 day / week. Pension & occupational sick pay scheme Term time working only, but with 52-week contract & pay. Free parking Genuine focus on staff wellbeing & staff neuro-inclusion policy Comprehensive induction including extensive, high quality training Working with an incredible, highly qualified, experienced and committed team of educators. An amazing opportunity to help shape a provision that actually works for neurodivergent pupils, that delivers a quality education and nurtures the talents of our amazing young people. Enormous personal satisfaction.

Person specification

Essential

Experience working in a professional capacity with autistic children and young people. Able to build authentic, positive, trusting professional relationships with young people and your colleagues. Understanding of neuro-affirming practice and share our commitment to providing a genuinely neuro-affirming environment for our learners. Strong ability to respond flexibly, responsively 'in the moment' and work proactively to identify emerging needs, prioritise and adjust plans accordingly. Able to use your own initiative to meet children/young people's varying needs.

Desirable

Have experience in a similar role Have experience working with children and young people who are disengaged from or struggling to attend mainstream education.
Oaks Rise is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Before appointment to any role, checks, including an Enhanced DBS Check, identification checks, workplace references and a fitness to work check will be undertaken, in accordance with current statutory guidance. Evidence of eligibility to work in the UK is required. A probationary period will also apply during which suitability to work with children will be monitored and assessed.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 21,000.00-23,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 21 - 25 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Free parking On-site parking
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday No weekends
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 05/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025