Learning Support Practitioner - Prison Education

Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £26,227.50
Contract: Permanent

Make a Difference Through Education

We are working with a leading prison education provider to recruit a compassionate and motivated Learning Support Practitioner to join their education team within a secure custodial setting.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity to support learners with additional learning needs, helping them overcome barriers to learning, build confidence, and achieve their educational and vocational goals. Working closely with tutors, trainers, and prison staff, you will play a vital role in delivering inclusive education that supports rehabilitation and personal development.

The Role

As a Learning Support Practitioner, you will provide tailored support to learners with additional learning needs, including disabilities, ensuring they can engage fully with their programmes of study and achieve positive outcomes. You will be responsible for supporting learners throughout their educational journey, developing support plans, monitoring progress, and promoting independence and self-advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and in-class support for learners with additional learning needs.
• Build positive relationships that encourage learner engagement, confidence, and achievement.
• Develop and review individual support plans using assessment tools and SEND graduated approaches.
• Monitor learner wellbeing and progress through regular reviews.
• Work collaboratively with tutors, trainers, healthcare professionals, and prison staff to ensure effective support is in place.
• Support reasonable adjustments for assessments and examinations.
• Maintain accurate learner records and documentation.
• Contribute to a whole-prison approach to supporting additional learning needs.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, prison security, quality, and contractual requirements.

About You

Essential Requirements

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) at Grade C/Level 2 or above.
• Experience supporting learners with SEND or additional learning needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload and maintain accurate records.
• Knowledge of effective strategies to support learners with additional learning needs and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Good organisational and IT skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for helping learners overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

Desirable

• Level 3 qualification in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities (or willingness to work towards).
• Experience working within prison, adult learning, or secure environments.
• Understanding of the OFSTED Education Inspection Framework (EIF).

Why Apply?

• Make a genuine impact on learners' lives through education and rehabilitation.
• Join a supportive and collaborative education team.
• Develop specialist experience within prison education and SEND support.
• Access ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Play a key role in helping learners gain confidence, independence, and a brighter future.

Additional Information

This is a fully site-based role within a prison environment and will involve face-to-face contact with learners. The successful candidate will be required to undergo prison security clearance and comply with all safeguarding and security procedures.

If you're passionate about inclusive education and supporting learners to succeed, we'd love to hear from you.