Learning Support Assistant

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 .

Job Title: Learning Support Assistant
Location: Waterloo Lodge School, Chorley, Lancashire PR6 7AX
Salary: £23,638.00 per annum ( not pro rata )
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our exciting continued growth, Waterloo Lodge School is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to become part of our warm, supportive, and close-knit team in Chorley.

This is more than a job - it's a chance to play a vital role in shaping young lives, celebrating progress, and creating moments that truly matter.

About the Role

Are you passionate about helping young people succeed? As a Learning Support Assistant, you'll be at the heart of the classroom, working closely with teachers and pupils to create an engaging, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.

You'll provide tailored support to individuals and small groups, helping pupils grow academically, socially, and emotionally. From preparing learning resources and supporting lessons to joining pupils on educational visits, no two days will ever be the same - and every day will be rewarding.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting teachers and pupils across a broad and balanced curriculum
• Working one-to-one and with small groups to meet individual learning needs
• Helping deliver personalised educational and behavioural programmes
• Tracking and recording pupils' academic, social, and emotional progress
• Preparing resources and equipment to support engaging learning activities
• Encouraging confidence, independence, and positive relationships
• Accompanying pupils on educational visits and occasionally providing transport

Who we're looking for

• An enthusiastic and caring individual with a genuine passion for supporting young people
• Adaptable and resilient, with a positive and proactive approach
• Patient, calm, and encouraging in all situations
• A strong team player who works well with teachers and colleagues
• An effective communicator with pupils, staff, and parents/carers
• Committed to helping every pupil reach their full potential

Essential Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in core subjects

About us

Waterloo Lodge is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 11 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

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
• 100's 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.