Job Description

About ARU:
ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
ARU's research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK's Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK's leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.
At our ARU Writtle campus, we specialise in animal, environmental, agricultural and horticultural courses, for learners aged 16 to 18, adult learners, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
About the Role:
Writtle College is seeking a compassionate, proactive, and experienced Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join our inclusive education team. This role involves supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across a diverse range of vocational and academic courses. Many of these learners have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and are high needs funded, requiring tailored support to access learning and thrive in the college environment.
You'll work closely with teaching staff, the Learning Support Team and external professionals to ensure students receive high-quality, person-centred support that promotes independence, achievement, and wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 and small group classroom support to students with SEND, including those with EHCPs and high needs funding

• Assist students in accessing lessons, practical activities, and enrichment opportunities across various departments
• Implement strategies and interventions outlined in EHCPs and support plans
• Promote independence, confidence, and self-advocacy in learners
• Support students with literacy, numeracy, study skills, and emotional regulation
• Contribute to the development of inclusive teaching practices and differentiated learning materials
• Monitor and record student progress, providing feedback to teaching staff and the SEND team
• Support students during transitions, including arrival, breaks, and departure from college
• Assist with personal care and mobility needs where required, in line with college policies
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding, health & safety, and equality policies
• Support students in both classroom settings and on a one-to-one basis, adapting materials and communication methods to meet individual academic and pastoral needs.

We are looking for:
Essential:

• Previous experience supporting young people with SEND in an educational setting
• Understanding of EHCPs and the responsibilities of colleges in delivering support
• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with students and staff
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating diversity
• Flexibility and resilience in a dynamic learning environment
• Minimum of grade C/4 or equivalent grade in English and Maths. Two A levels or vocational qualification at NVQ level 3 or equivalent.

Desirable:

• Relevant qualifications (e.g. Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Autism Awareness, etc).
• Experience supporting students with complex needs, including autism, ADHD, and physical disabilities.
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and inclusive learning strategies
• Knowledge of IT systems.

Informal enquiries can be made to Beth Dean, Learning Support Team Leader, at beth.dean@aru.ac.uk
Find out more about and .
We have an agile working culture and offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package. Visit our page for full details.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short listed candidates.
All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Children's Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information can be obtained from .
This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the .
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
In accordance with the UK Government's immigration points-based system, this post does not meet the characteristics of a skilled job including salary criteria to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.
Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
Guidance Notes:
Please download the Person Specification for key requirements. To apply, demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the criteria.

Skills Required