Additional Support Assistant (Foundation Learning) - Fixed Term until July 2027

Salary: £18,673 - £18,893 pro rata (based on FTE £25,949 - £26,256 per annum)

Cardiff and Vale College is seeking a compassionate and motivated Additional Support Assistant (Foundation Learning) to join our Inclusive Learning team on a fixed-term basis until July 2027, based at our City Centre Campus.

This is a rewarding, learner-focused role supporting young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), learning difficulties and/or disabilities within Foundation Learning. You'll help learners access their education, participate fully in College life and develop the confidence, life skills and independence they need to achieve their individual goals.

Working as part of the Foundation Learning team, you'll support individual learners and groups both in learning sessions and during the wider College day. Some learners may require a higher level of practical support, including personal care, hygiene, eating or feeding support and supervision. At every stage, the focus is on encouraging learners to do as much as possible for themselves and develop greater independence.

What You'll Do

You'll provide person-centred support tailored to the individual needs of learners, helping them engage with learning, develop confidence and overcome barriers. You'll use strategies such as prompting, modelling and scaffolding, support learners to use assistive technology and specialist software, and contribute to the implementation and review of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).

Depending on individual learner needs, you may provide personal care, hygiene and eating or feeding support, as well as supporting and supervising learners during lunch, breaks, educational visits, College activities and other unstructured periods.

You'll work collaboratively with teaching colleagues and other professionals, maintain accurate records and, most importantly, support learners in a way that promotes their safety, inclusion, confidence and increasing independence.

About You

You don't need to have spent your whole career working in further education. You might already have experience in education, care or another support environment and be looking for an opportunity where you can make a real difference to young people.

We're looking for someone who is patient, compassionate and adaptable, who can build positive relationships with learners and understands that great support means empowering someone to develop their own skills and independence.

You should have:

• 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths, or equivalent
• Experience of supporting young people with Additional Learning Needs, learning difficulties and/or disabilities
• Experience of working as part of a team within an education or care setting
• Experience of providing personal care and feeding support

A Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification, or equivalent, and a willingness to undertake minibus driver training are desirable. Full details of the essential and desirable criteria are provided in the Job Information Pack.

Why Join Us

If you're considering developing your career in education, this role is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting learners with a range of additional needs and working alongside teaching, learning and support professionals.

The skills and experience you develop as an Additional Support Assistant can provide a valuable foundation for future progression into roles such as Progress Coach or Engagement Officer, or, with the appropriate qualifications and experience, into teaching and lecturing opportunities.

At Cardiff and Vale College, you'll join one of the largest colleges in the UK and be part of an organisation passionate about transforming lives through education.

We offer a range of benefits including a generous pension scheme, annual leave entitlement, staff wellbeing initiatives, a healthcare cash plan, staff development opportunities, retail discounts, Cycle to Work scheme and more.

Most importantly, you'll be part of a supportive College community where you can make a genuine difference to learners while developing your own skills and career.

Additional Information

This post is funded on a fixed-term basis until July 2027.

Closing Date: 8th November 2026 at 11:59pm

For full details about the role, responsibilities and person specification, please refer to the Job Information Pack. For recruitment queries, please contact: recruitment@cavc.ac.uk

Applications are welcomed in both Welsh and English. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.

These are contractual agreements that must be in place before your employment can commence.

All vacancies are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and employment will not commence without a valid up to date DBS check. This is a contractual agreement that must be in place before your employment starts. The College's procedure for the Suitability of Ex-offenders for Employment is available upon request.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities and are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the learners and communities we serve. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we are committed to the recruitment, development and retention of disabled people, ensuring an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.