Teaching Assistant (Prisons)

Job Title: Teaching Assistant (Prisons)

Location: HMP MillsikeSalary: Up to £27,000 per annumContract Type: PermanentHours of Work: Full-time - Shift pattern of 3 x 12-hour days (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Monday - Friday) with occasional Saturday cover on a rota basis

Role & Client Overview:

Our client is a leading provider of prison education, dedicated to empowering learners with the skills and confidence needed to reduce reoffending and support reintegration into society. Their education programmes focus on engagement, rehabilitation, and skills development, helping individuals to pursue meaningful careers and personal growth.

As a Teaching Assistant (Prisons), you will play a vital role in supporting both learners and educators in delivering engaging educational activities. You will work one-on-one and in groups, assisting learners in consolidating their knowledge and building confidence, while helping to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support tutors in delivering engaging and structured learning activities, ensuring all learners are actively involved.
• Provide one-on-one and group support, assisting learners in understanding course materials and developing key skills.
• Encourage and motivate learners, helping them build self-confidence and engage fully in their education.
• Help maintain a safe, structured, and positive learning environment in collaboration with prison officers and education staff.
• Monitor learner attendance and progress, ensuring accurate records are maintained.
• Assist with the preparation of learning resources, ensuring lessons run smoothly.
• Work closely with tutors, prison staff, and external agencies to meet learners' educational needs.

Essential/Desirable Criteria:

Essential:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with learners.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to support lesson planning and classroom activities.
• A commitment to inclusivity, rehabilitation, and education within a prison setting.
• Resilience and adaptability, with the ability to work effectively in a challenging environment.

Desirable:

• A Level 3 teaching qualification (or willingness to work towards one).
• Experience in a teaching assistant role, prison education, or adult learning environment.
• An understanding of safeguarding and behaviour management strategies.

Benefits:

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to support individuals in gaining essential skills and making a real impact on their rehabilitation journey.

Our client offers a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• A paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced maternity scheme and wedding leave.
• Pension scheme and life assurance.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to an online wellbeing centre.
• Access to hundreds of discounts via the Additions portal.