Learning Support at The Orchard Independent Special School

Join Our Orchard Team

Make a difference every day.

At Orchard School, our Learning Support team are at the heart of everything we do. They build relationships, create opportunities, overcome barriers, and help our learners achieve more than they ever thought possible.

If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, this could be the role for you.

Orchard is an independent day special school for children and young people with a range of Special Educational Needs. As part of Melrose Education, we are committed to providing the very best educational experience for every learner, built upon strong relationships, genuine empathy, and a deep understanding of their individual needs.

Our Learning Support team are the engine room of our school. They are often the first people our learners see each day and the last people they see before returning home. From collecting learners safely in our fleet vehicles each morning, to helping them feel safe, build confidence, engage in learning, overcome barriers, and celebrate success, our Learning Support staff play a pivotal role in every learner's journey.

This is not a typical support role. It is demanding, rewarding, and no two days are ever the same. You will work alongside learners who may have experienced significant challenges in education and who require patience, consistency, understanding, and an unwavering belief in their potential. The ability to build trusted relationships, remain calm under pressure, and adapt to changing situations is essential.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Believe every learner deserves the opportunity to succeed.

• Can build strong, positive relationships with young people.

• Demonstrate resilience, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

• Are committed to helping learners feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.

• Can work effectively as part of a highly supportive team.

• Hold a full UK driving licence and are confident driving school vehicles.

• Understand that progress comes in many forms and are willing to celebrate every success.

This role is ideal for people who find purpose in helping others, who are energised by challenge, and who measure success by the difference they make in a young person's life rather than by the predictability of their day.

Orchard School and Melrose Education are committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities. We believe that investing in our staff is fundamental to achieving the best outcomes for our learners.

To find out more about this rewarding role, please contact Steve Broderick, Principal, on (01472) 898498.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every learner and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. References, safeguarding declarations, and social media checks will be completed prior to interview.

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.