Learning Support Development Officer

Salary: £26,605.18 - 29,263.86
Hours: 37 hours
Weeks: 43 weeks

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of suitable applications is received.

To support the Learning Support Manager(s) in ensuring a high quality and consistent learning support service by leading the day –to-day training, development and professional practice of Learning Support Assistants. The post holder will promote consistency across induction, probation and appraisal processes, maintain effective records and work closely with HR and the Training Administrator to identify, plan and coordinate training and development opportunities.

To learn more about the area of the Charity you would be working in please watch this short video -Queen Alexandra College (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUMZODb-9r0&list=PLVP2OcDFITF7UbwhmRmOFuSIlVr9-jK_y)
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Key Responsibilities & Safeguarding

Duties and Key Areas of Responsibility

- Plan and deliver the LSA induction programme (format as agreed with SAM and Assistant Principal Student Services), delivering face to face and online training ensure all new LSAs complete any and all mandatory training within required timescales.
- Support LSA Managers with the probation process providing training, feedback and observational support and consistency of approach.
- Carry out observations of LSAs, as part of the observation team, following appropriate training as arranged and agreed with the Assistant Principal Quality and MiS.
- Provide coaching, support and guidance as needed by individuals and teams following outcomes from observations.
- Support LSA Managers with the Review and Forward Planning (appraisal) process, including completion of Learning and Development Planning. Collate learning and development needs for the LSA team to inform planning.
- Provide written reports as requested for appraisals or other formal meetings.
- Ensure consistent delivery of training in order that LSAs can deliver effective support to students where behavioural and emotional and sensory needs are a barrier. (This to include CPI training).
- Ensure consistent delivery of training in order that LSAs can effectively support students with their care needs including observations and ongoing staff development.
- Ensure consistent training in order that LSAs can support students to access the curriculum including observations and ongoing staff development.
- In collaboration with the Support Area Manager/relevant staff develop and keep up to date a skills matrix for the LSA team (core and areas specific).
- Ensure LSAs meet expected QAC service standards (behavioural awareness and support; awareness of group dynamics, developing relationships with groups and individuals, self-development, technical skills) via training and class observations.
- Advise and support the LSA Management team with strategies to improve individuals and teams' performance where required.
- Work alongside the HR and training department to plan and deliver training on planned training days and to ensure all training and development activity is recorded.
- Work closely with other members of the Student Services department to ensure that best practice is embedded by LSAs through close working with multi-disciplinary teams.
- To attend, engage in and contribute to Student Services and Teaching and Learning team meetings
- Continuously research and update your own training in line with most up to date legislation, policies, evidence best practice.
- Be willing to undertake further training to support the requirements of the role.
- To contribute to college quality assurance procedures and to the self-assessment, and other reviews, as appropriate.
- Plan, promote and maintain the aims and ethos of the College both within the teaching and learning context and within the corporate life of the College.
- To act as a role model for students and staff, behaving appropriately, maintaining professional boundaries, communicating effectively and being a calm and reassuring presence in college.
- Perform any other duties commensurate with the status and nature of the post and be willing to undertake further training to support the requirements of the role and to become a train the trainer.

General:

- Work with the Support Area Manager – Learning Support and the team to implement projects/ initiatives to improve our service.
- Adhere to the College’s Health and Safety Policy at all times, recognising responsibility for own safety and that of others.
- Act at all times in accordance with the Staff Code of Conduct, QAC Values of Respect, Excellence, Enabling, Collaboration and Inclusion.
- Comply with all Charity policies and procedures.

Other Duties
QAC employees may be expected to undertake designated emergency response duties as part of their role. This includes:

- Receiving appropriate training, instruction and information to carry out emergency procedures safely and effectively.
- Responding to emergency situations in line with organisational policies and procedures.
- Supporting the organisation’s compliance with relevant Health and Safety legislation.

The above list is not exhaustive but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the Charity. Please take time to review the job description attached.
Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school, including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.

Safeguarding Commitments

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, and in line with updated guidance published in September 2026, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information.

Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are available here. (https://www.qac.ac.uk/charity/queen-alexandra-charity---policies-and-procedures/4.htm)

We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All required pre-employment checks will be undertaken, and offers of employment are subject to satisfactory outcomes. These include an enhanced DBS check with Children & Adult’s Barred List information, identity checks, online checks, and verification of professional qualifications and references. Further details are available in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2)).

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

- Minimum level 4 qualification in a training, development or education related subject, or willingness to undertake
- Minimum level 2 or equivalent in numeracy and literacy and preferably IT.
- Safeguarding Awareness
- Computer literate and able to produce clear and understandable reports in Excel and Word and use centralised MiS systems (Databridge)
- Flexible and adaptable communication style and overall interpersonal skills.
- Ability to self-reflect on own performance and make improvements as needed
- Able to work with conflicting demands whilst meeting deadlines and adhere to procedures.
- Able to make decisions or judgements based on knowledge of team and college.
- Able to work on your own initiative in an organised and structured way.
- Demonstrates a commitment to equality and diversity within the workplace.
- Ability to demonstrate emotional intelligence.
- Confidence in decision making and ability to ensure this is objective.
- Assertive and able to resolve conflict in an appropriate manner.
- Student centred approach to working
- Track record of being a professional role model including holding appropriate professional boundaries
- Experience of managing staff performance
- Willingness to undertake further training to achieve the requirements of the role.
- Experience of delivering training one to one and to groups

For further information on person specification please read the job description attached

Benefits

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment?
If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.

Queen Alexandra Charity offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.

Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:
- Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals
- Make a difference to the educational experience of young people
- Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education
- Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence
- Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.

Our benefits include;
Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)
- Access to on site car parking
- Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
- Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
- Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
- QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
- BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
- Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
- Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
- Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
- Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
- Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
- Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
- Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
- Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
- Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
- On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
- Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
- Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.