Job Description

New Meaning Centre: NMT Berkshire (Reading)

Employer: New Meaning Training (NMT)

Type: Permanent, Part-time, Term Time Only

Hours: Variable - to be agreed

Schedule: Monday to Friday 08:30-16:30

Salary: From 24,246 p.a. FTE

Job Reference: BRKS-SPOLSA-062501

Closing date: 31/07/25

Start date: September 2025

Number of positions: 2

Introduction

If you believe that sport can change lives, build confidence, and unlock potential--we'd love to meet you.

At New Meaning Training, we're not just running a sports session--we're helping young people re-engage with learning, often for the first time in years. We're looking for a Sports Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to work alongside our tutors, supporting young people aged 15-25 (with EHCPs or SEMH needs) to access and benefit from our physical education and sports-focused curriculum.

Our learners are not 'school-shaped'. Many arrive having found traditional education settings overwhelming, difficult, or simply not right for them. But through creative, practical and movement-based learning--like sports and outdoor activity--they begin to reconnect with themselves, each other and their future. That's where you come in.

Key responsibilities

Support learners during structured sports sessions, physical education activities, and group games. Help individuals and small groups participate confidently, safely, and positively in physical activities. Assist the tutor in preparing equipment and creating an inclusive, engaging environment. Encourage learners to recognise and reflect on their own progress in teamwork, coordination, wellbeing and confidence. Adapt support for learners with a range of needs, including autism, ADHD, and anxiety. Promote positive behaviour, resilience, and respect through activity-based learning. Support transitions between sports sessions and classroom-based learning. Champion physical activity as a tool for mental health and emotional regulation.
You will have

A genuine passion for sport and its power to develop life skills. Experience supporting or working with young people--ideally those with SEN or SEMH needs. Familiarity with a range of special educational needs and how they may impact learning and behaviour. A patient, calm, and encouraging nature, with a focus on building trust and rapport. Good teamwork and communication skills. Basic IT and record-keeping skills. A first aid qualification and/or sports coaching qualification (desirable but not essential). A full UK driving licence is desirable.
About Us

New Meaning Training (NMT) offers education with a difference. We are an alternative education provider dedicated to helping young people aged 15-25 discover their strengths and develop the confidence and skills to earn their own living.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, around 300 young people from Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, and Berkshire will join one of our programmes. Many of these students are referred by secondary schools, pupil referral units, and Special Education Needs settings.

Our journey began in 2015 with the opening of our first centre in High Wycombe, originally known as "Toolshed." Ten years on, NMT continues to grow, with new centres planned for Nuneaton and Milton Keynes in September 2025.

In Berkshire we have a range of learning programmes: Construction Multiskills, Creative Art & Design, Sports, Boost Workskills, and Achieve Lifeskills. All incorporate functional skills qualifications in Maths and English, along with tutorials to support our well-rounded approach. We also provide a 'Transition Support' programme for young people with EHCPs who are not yet ready for a learning setting.

NMT tailors its programmes to meet the needs of its learners, considering Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We comprehensively apply the principles of a Loving Care Approach (Trauma Informed Practice) to ensure all young people receive the support they need to thrive.

Questions? Send an email to berkshire@newmeaning.training

FAO AGENCIES: We do not recruit Tutor, TA or LSA roles via agencies in Berkshire.

This job can be found on the careers page of the website - newmeaning.training/careers

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 24,246.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 31/07/2025
Reference ID: BRKS-SPOLSA-062501
Expected start date: 01/09/2025