Student Support Officer

About Us

The National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) has an unswerving commitment to high quality, evidence-informed teacher education, and is on a mission to improve the quality of teacher and leader development across the system.

Our programmes are designed by teachers and leaders who understand the joys and pressures of school life. We work in collaboration with schools across the country, ensuring that findings from our research benefits all schools, teachers and leaders.

About the Role

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? Do you have a strong understanding of the Equality Act (2010) and experience in supporting individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, and other additional needs? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

This is a new post within our Student Support and Welfare Team! The Student Support and Welfare team are responsible for supporting a diverse population of trainees at the National Institute of Teaching.

The ideal candidate will have experience of delivering one to one support to a range of learnings, supporting with disabilities, mental health conditions and other additional needs, this will include writing support plans. Familiarity with the DSA and its application process is essential, as well as being proactive and solution focused, as this is a new role within our newly established Registry function.

Being a strong communicator is essential, as the successful candidate will be collaborating with colleagues to ensure a holistic approach to student welfare and support.

This role is a hybrid role, with national travel. On average it is 1-2 days per week on site with the remaining days being home working. The successful candidate needs to be available to travel on Thursdays, as this is the day our trainees are on site for campus training days.

This role is full time, but we are willing to look at job share applications.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 07 September. Please note that we may close the role early depending on the number of applications received.

Corporate Responsibilities

• To ensure that the responsibilities of the role are carried out in a way which reflects the mission and the values of the NIoT.
• To be aware of and observe all policies, procedures, working practices and regulations, and in particular to comply with policies relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, Confidentiality, Data Protection and Financial Regulations, reporting any concerns to an appropriate person.
• To comply with all reasonable management requests.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 support and advice to trainees with a wide range of support needs, including disabilities (such as SpLD, Autism and ADHD) and mental health conditions providing solution-focussed interventions and education support.
• Assisting with general administration and delivery of the Student Support and Welfare Service which may include answering emails, telephone calls and enquires.
• Write Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs) with consideration for individual needs, ensuring plans are implemented correctly and setting goals for success.
• Supporting learners with their mental health and wellbeing by offering support, completing Wellbeing Recovery Action Plans (WRAPs) and utilising other low-level interventions to aid recovery, including completing risk assessment and referrals.
• Auditing data from DFE, Corazon Health and Enrolment Forms ensuring that trainees with a disability or mental health condition are tracked and supported.
• Assisting trainees with navigating the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) process and ensuring that external DSA Support, such as 1:1 Study Skills and Specialist Mentoring is in place.
• Liaising with Tutors and other colleagues at the NIoT to ensure that trainees are fully supported on their programme and placement.
• Providing support and guidance to trainees and NIoT staff on adjustments to assessments, alternative formats and assistive technology.
• Ensuring that the learning and teaching environment at the NIoT is inclusive for trainees with disability and other support needs.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and institutional policies related to disability and equality.

Essential Criteria

• Experience of delivering 1:1 support to a range of learners with disabilities, mental health conditions and other additional needs, including writing support plans.
• A strong understanding of the Equality Act (2010) and other relevant legislation related to disability rights and accommodations is crucial.
• Familiarity with the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and its application process and in supporting students to implement their DSA Support.
• Excellent understanding of Reasonable Adjustments and creating tailored plans, including knowledge of adjustments to assessments, learning and teaching.
• Educated to degree level and / or significant relevant experience.
• Ability to provide sensitive and empathetic support to trainees regarding their disability and welfare support needs.
• A commitment to the aims of the National Institute of Teaching.
• An interest in the education sector and a belief in the value of teachers and school leaders.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office software packages, such as Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as search engines and online databases.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience delivering disability / and or mental health support in a Higher Education Setting, such as a Disability, Mentoring or Wellbeing Service.
• Further postgraduate training related to student support, such as Study Skills, Mentoring, SEND, and or wellbeing and mental health interventions.
• Previous experience of completing Wellbeing Recovery Action Plans (WRAPS) and utilising other wellbeing interventions to promote mental health and wellbeing.
• Previous experience of working in a remote and geographically distributed team.

Working at the National Institute of Teaching

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Salary: £37,280 per annum plus benefits

Key Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave – 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays) rising to 33 days after five years’ service.
• Flexible Working – we offer flexible start and end working times, with hybrid working in place for all roles.
• Pension - Entry to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – we offer salary sacrifice schemes for bikes, cars and tech!
• Lifestyle Benefits – We offer discounts on gyms, cinema, retail and much more!
• Parenthood Leave – We offer above the statutory minimum for maternity, adoption and paternity leave.
• Working Environment – We have a stimulating, supportive and rewarding working environment with a dedicated team of likeminded professionals.
• Support: Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides confidential support for employees on personal or work-related matters
• Development: We fully support the development of our staff and ensure that you have high level of continuous professional development.

Further Information

We think a wide range of different work and educational experiences could support you to be successful in this role. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.

Notes:

• This post requires a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with a Children’s Barred List Check and Occupational Health Check is required as a condition of employment
• This document is an overview of the role
• The responsibilities will include but will not be limited to those listed above and it is anticipated that the role will evolve over time and as such the duties may change

How to Apply

Apply Here: Submit your application online

Closing Date: 07 September 2025, 23:59 (BST)

Contact Us: If you have any queries about this role, please email us at [email protected]