Learning Support Assistant

Job description / Role

Job overview

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Position details

Position: Learning Support Assistant
Salary: £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Hours: 37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm
Start date: October 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

After 6 weeks in post, you will qualify for the 4-day working week - work 4 days but get paid for 5 days!

Are you passionate about making a real difference in young people’s lives?

Do you have the patience, resilience, and drive to support children with a range of learning and behavioural needs?

About the role

Crookhey Hall School is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant to work alongside teachers in delivering high-quality education to small groups. LSAs play a vital role in classroom support, behaviour management, and helping pupils access a broad and balanced curriculum.

Key responsibilities

• Support individuals or small groups in lessons
• Assist across a range of subjects
• Prepare classroom resources and displays
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional well-being
• Supervise during breaks, lunch, and transitions
• Help maintain a purposeful learning environment
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions

Essential skills & qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade C/4+)
• Basic IT skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork
• Flexible, positive approach
• Able to build trusting relationships with pupils
• Full UK driving licence
• High expectations of behaviour and achievement
• Patience, resilience, and initiative
• Willingness to undertake training

Desirable

• Experience in education or care
• Qualifications in Childcare, Education or Social Care
• Experience with Autism or SEMH

Welcome to Crookhey Hall School

Crookhey Hall School is a specialist Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) school for boys and girls aged 10 to 17. Set in a 15-acre countryside site near Lancaster, we offer a calm and structured environment where pupils can grow in confidence, build self-esteem, and achieve their goals.

We provide a tailored education experience that nurtures not only academic and vocational skills but also personal development and emotional wellbeing. Our dedicated team helps every pupil unlock their potential and prepare for a brighter, more independent future.

About Acorn Education

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

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.