Learner Support Assistant

About Us

At The Sheffield College, we’re proud to be a large, vibrant and inclusive further education community — recognised nationally for our commitment to equality and inclusion — including a 2026 Investors in Diversity Gold award and 3rd ‑ place ranking in the National Centre for Diversity’s 2025 Top 100 Most Inclusive UK Employers.

Everything we do is driven by our mission to transform lives through learning and to meet the skills needs of our city and region. As part of this commitment, our subsidiary company Sparks Teaching Services provides high ‑ quality teaching staff to support outstanding learning experiences for our students.

Working for our Sparks Teaching Services as a Learner Support Assistant you will be working with students who experience barriers in their learning either by reason of disadvantage, learning difficulties or disability. The LSA helps with teaching and learning activities inside or out of the classroom/workshop/off site working with small groups as well as individual learners.

The LSA works closely with the teacher leading the class and with Tutorial Mentors to ensure students are positively engaged with their learning, fully stretched and able to achieve their goals whilst enjoying their time in college. The LSA’s expertise supports the best use of strategies to overcome barriers to learning, including challenging and difficult behaviours.

This is a zero ‑ hours contract, with regular working hours to be confirmed at interview.

• The LSA plays a key role in monitoring student’s development and achievement.
• They play an integral role in the safeguarding of young people by acting as a champion and advocate for equality and diversity.
• LSA’s can also be called upon to meet the intimate personal support needs of individual learners and may be asked to assist in the giving of medication to learners. All such activities are undertaken in accordance with clear policies and procedures and following adequate training.
• You must be keen to share knowledge, experience and resources with colleagues which can be of benefit to teaching and learning.
• LSA’s will be accountable to SEND Support.
• Responsible for planning, organising and prioritising own standard work within well-established routines or procedures, should be able to determine own priorities and think ahead
• LSA’s are responsible for speaking to students and staff on a regular basis dealing with routine and more complex queries, explaining procedures, demonstrating systems or services.

As the college evolves, responsibilities may develop in line with our strategic goals.

• Participating in cross ‑ college projects, working groups and committees
• Preparing and presenting papers as needed
• Acting as a positive role model for colleagues, demonstrating the College’s FREDIE+ values (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement)

• Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students through robust Safeguarding practices
• Supporting key college events such as open days, enrolment and exam periods

• Follow Health & Safety policies relevant to your role
• Ensure compliance with Data Protection regulations
• Contribute to our sustainability goals and Net Zero ambition

• Follow Health & Safety policies relevant to your role
• Ensure compliance with Data Protection regulations
• Contribute to our sustainability goals and Net Zero ambition

Claire Morley, Head of Inclusion and Learning Support,

Hourly rate: £14.27

• Enhanced Nest pension scheme – 3% employer contribution
• 20 days annual leave (148 hours) + 8 bank holidays (59.2 hours)
• Health and wellbeing support , including:
• Employee assistance programme through Bupa
• Occupational Health through PAM
• Free eye tests for VDU users
• Free parking at most campuses
• Hybrid and flexible working opportunities
• Professional development pathways and access to staff benefits

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