Learning Support Assistant

At OFG we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work 

Job Title:  Learning Support Assistant
Location:  Parkside House School, Ashington NE63 8AP & Backworth NE27 0AB
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 08:30-16:00
Salary:      £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        October 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

At Parkside House School, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to flourish, to discover their strengths, grow in confidence and feel proud of who they are.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join our friendly team, where every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference.

In this role, you will support pupils with additional needs to engage with learning, overcome challenges and achieve their personal best. Working closely with teachers and tutors, you’ll provide tailored support, nurture positive relationships and help create a classroom environment where every child feels valued, understood and inspired.

Each day brings new opportunities to spark curiosity, celebrate progress and support pupils to grow in independence, resilience and confidence.

What You’ll Do

As part of our committed team, you will:

• Provide tailored one-to-one and small group support to build pupils’ confidence and independence
• Develop positive, trusting relationships that nurture personal, social and emotional growth
• Work alongside teachers to deliver engaging lessons and adapt activities to meet individual needs
• Help create a welcoming, structured and inclusive learning environment
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation strategies
• Follow safeguarding procedures and school policies to ensure every pupil remains safe and supported

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is compassionate, patient and enthusiastic about supporting young people
• Thrives in a collaborative, team-focused environment
• Has an interest in working with pupils with Autism or additional learning needs
• Holds GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Holds a full UK driving licence (this role may involve supporting across both our Backworth and Ashington sites)

If you are committed to helping young people achieve more than they ever thought possible, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

Welcome to Parkside House School, an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Independent Special School with sites in Backworth and Ashington. We provide specialist teaching, small class sizes, bespoke timetables, and a nurturing, friendly environment for pupils aged KS2 Year 6–KS5. Our school supports students with SEMH needs and associated learning difficulties, including autism, ADHD, attachment disorders, and oppositional defiance disorder. Pupils thrive academically, socially, and personally, guided by a passionate, experienced team dedicated to unlocking their potential.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils 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 pupils 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.

Outcomes First Group 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, Outcomes First Group 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.

#1