Learning Needs Support Practitioner

The Manchester College; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in the UK seeks a Learning Needs Support Practitioner to empower students at HMP Durham. This permanent, full-time role involves supporting learners with diverse needs. Candidates should have qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy, a Level 5 in Special Educational Needs, and experience working with challenging behaviours. Benefits include competitive salary, annual leave, pension contributions, and more. Join a forward-thinking team making a real difference in learners' lives.

Benefits

35 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Cycle to work scheme

Retail Discounts

Significant Pension contributions

2 hours personal development per week

Responsibilities

• Support learners in a prison environment.
• Promote inclusivity and positive change.
• Work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.

Skills

Level 2 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy

Level 5 qualification in Special Educational Needs

Working effectively with learners presenting with challenging behaviour

Understanding of learning methods

Ability to support individuals and groups

Experience with a range of abilities and support needs

Working in a multi-disciplinary team

Accurate and timely reporting

Positive team working

Flexibility and learner focus

Attention to detail

Education

Level 2 qualification in Literacy

Level 2 qualification in Numeracy

Level 5 qualification in Special Educational Needs (or working towards)

Job description

Job details

Job title: Learning Needs Support Practitioner

Job reference: REQ012032

Date posted: 26/01/2026

Application closing date: 23/02/2026

Location: Durham

Salary: £25,877.80 - £28,725.84 per annum

Package: Competitive benefits + Local Government Pension Scheme

Contractual hours: 37

Basis: Full time

Job category/type: Student Support

Attachments: Learning Needs Support Practitioner.pdf

Job description

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for empowering students and supporting our teams to achieve success? We’re seeking a dynamic Learning Support Needs Practitioner to join our forward-thinking team! If you have a wealth of experience in supporting learners, a flair for leadership, and a drive to make a lasting impact, this is your opportunity to take your career to the next level. Step into a role where you can inspire others, shape educational experiences, and champion inclusivity—making a real difference in the lives of our learners every day.

We have a great opportunity available to join Novus, our prison education provider at HMP Durham, working as a Learning Support Needs Practitioner. This role is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37 hours per week.

Who are Novus?

Novus are a leading provider of prison education and have been supporting men, women, and children of all ages for over 30 years across the UK to take new directions. We are also part of the LTE group of companies that include The Manchester College, MOL, Total People, UCEN, and LTE Group Operations. We are currently rated “Good” by Ofsted and have partnerships with over 1000 industry and employer partners, ensuring our learners secure their place as the movers and shakers of the future. Our business is growing year on year due to our continued success as a leading provider in prison education.

Site Information

HMP Durham is a Category B men's prison located in Durham, England. The team’s aim is to create an environment in which staff and prisoners feel safe and where causes of prison stress are minimised. The prison’s mission is to provide a secure, safe, and rehabilitative environment that encourages positive change and prepares inmates for a successful reintegration into society.

Role Responsibilities

Please see the attached role profile for an overview of general role responsibilities. Specific details of the role are shared during the interview process.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need to:

• Hold a Level 2 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy
• Hold a Level 5 qualification in Special Educational Needs or be willing to work towards within an agreed timescale
• Proven track record of working effectively with learners presenting with challenging behaviour
• Demonstrate an understanding of how people learn and methods that can be used to enhance a learning experience
• Have the ability to support the learning of individuals and groups
• Have experience of working with learners with a range of abilities and support needs
• Have experience of successful working in an effective multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrate accurate and timely reporting
• Demonstrate positive team working
• Be flexible, pragmatic, nurturing, and learner focused
• Be non-judgemental
• Be determined and enthused by challenge
• Must have excellent attention to detail

Benefits

• 35 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• 2 hours for wellbeing / personal development per week
• Significant Pension contributions
• Retail Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cycle to work scheme

Safeguarding

The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Novus is committed to providing an environment where everyone is valued as an individual and where learners and colleagues can work, learn, flourish and develop their skills and knowledge in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We are committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities in which we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and learner community that reflects the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.

The closing date for this job advert is 23/02/2026. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!