Learning Support Assistant - Changing Futures Together

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

The Adult Education Service is part of Coventry City Council. We provide a wide range of courses for Coventry residents age 19+ and much of our provision is targeted at people with the highest levels of need.

We offer long courses in English, maths, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), ICT/Digital and vocational subjects such as Early Years, along with provision for adults with learning disabilities.

We also offer a very wide range of short community courses in arts, crafts, music, dance, exercise, fitness and family learning. In addition, we run a highly supportive study programme for young people.

Our work-based learning offer includes Apprenticeships in the following subject areas:

• Nursery Workers
• Teaching Assistants
• Leadership/Management; and
• Customer Care.

We also provide courses for adults who are seeking work via the Council’s Job Shop.

Our main base is at Southfields Old School, CV1 5EJ, with provision delivered at around 25 other sites within Coventry, mostly in areas of highest need.

We welcome applications from anyone who wants to make a difference to the lives of people in Coventry.

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

Full time, Term Time Only, 37 hours per week for 40 weeks

Coventry Learns is proud to deliver Changing Futures Together provision, supporting young people aged 16–18 and 19–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Changing Futures Together is an inclusive, employment-focused provision designed to help young people develop the confidence, skills, qualifications and experience they need to take their next steps towards employment, further learning and greater independence.

Learners have the opportunity to develop their employability skills through meaningful work experience, alongside working towards a range of appropriate qualifications that support their individual aspirations, abilities and future career goals.

We are excited to offer a permanent, term-time only role to support the delivery of the Changing Futures Together provision. The successful candidate will play an important role in helping young people identify their strengths, develop their skills and qualifications, overcome barriers and prepare for the world of work.

Working closely with learners, employers, families, education providers and other professionals, you will support young people to develop personalised pathways that reflect their aspirations and employment goals. You will help learners access meaningful work experience and develop the practical skills, qualifications, confidence and independence they need to progress towards employment.

We're seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about supporting young people with SEND and committed to creating positive pathways into employment, qualifications, further learning and independence.

If you're ready to be part of Coventry Learns and contribute to the Changing Futures Together provision, helping young people aged 16–18 and 19–24 with EHCPs build confidence, gain qualifications, develop employability skills and progress towards employment, we'd love to hear from you.

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Learning Support Assistant to join the Changing Futures team within Coventry Learns, working term-time only to support young people aged 16–18 and 19–24 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The Changing Futures team provides an inclusive and supportive programme designed to help young people develop the confidence, skills, qualifications and experience they need to progress towards employment, further learning and greater independence.

Learners have opportunities to gain meaningful work experience, develop employability skills and work towards a range of qualifications tailored to their individual needs, abilities, aspirations and future career goals.

Working closely with the Programme Manager and subject tutors, you will:

• Provide high-quality learning and pastoral support to learners with EHCPs.

• Support learners to access and achieve a range of qualifications appropriate to their individual needs and aspirations.

• Assist learners who may experience anxiety or barriers to education, helping them re-engage with learning with confidence and dignity.

• Support learners to develop employability skills, independence and confidence in preparation for the workplace.

• Work alongside tutors to help learners reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

• Support learners to access meaningful work experience and develop the skills required for employment.

• Maintain accurate learner records and individual learning plans, as directed.

• Be part of a dynamic and supportive team, responding to learners' educational, pastoral and additional support needs.

• Collaborate with colleagues, employers, families and external agencies to ensure appropriate support is in place.

• Encourage learners to recognise their strengths, develop their aspirations and take positive steps towards their future.

Key Requirements

• Experience working as a teaching assistant, learning support assistant or in a similar role supporting young people, particularly those with additional learning needs or SEND.

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification.

• A commitment to inclusive education and a belief in every young person's ability to learn, develop and succeed.

• A positive and supportive approach, with the ability to build trusting relationships with young people.

• An understanding of the importance of preparing young people for employment, further learning and independent adulthood.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people who may require additional support to succeed in education, gain qualifications, develop employability skills and progress towards employment.

If you are passionate, patient and committed to helping young people achieve their aspirations, we would love to hear from you and welcome you to the Changing Futures team within Coventry Learns.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre-employment check with effect from 1 September 2022, please note that an online search may form part of this recruitment process.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

Need help completing your application form? The Job Shop can support you. You can email them at jobshopemploymentsupport@coventry.gov.uk or visit the Job Shop in person, please see their webpage for more information. For all other queries, contact Resourcing@coventry.gov.uk.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'.

We recognise that you might use AI tools to help with your application. While these tools can be useful, please make sure that all information you provide about your experience, skills, and qualifications is accurate. What matters most to us is hearing about your experience and the achievements that truly reflect you!

Short Listing: Monday 12th October

Interviews: Thursday 15th and Friday 16th October only

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies