SEN Learning Support Assistant

Job Description

31.25 hours per week, term time only,8:30am-3:15pm (Monday-Friday),with an unpaid 30-minute lunch break

Scale 3 Point 6 - Actual salary: £19,134

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children with complex needs? Do you thrive in a calm, nurturing, and structured environment where individual children's growth and wellbeing are at the heart of everything you do?

We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic, and resilient Learning Support Assistant to join our newly built SEN Base.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner who is committed to helping children with SEND flourish, communicate, and reach their full potential.

At our school, building strong, positive, and trusting relationships is central to everything we do.

We are looking for someone who is motivated to bring out the best in every child and who can work within our distinctly Catholic ethos to create an inclusive, safe, and supportive space for our pupils.

The successful candidate will have experience working with children with SEND-such as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN), and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs-and a strong understanding of adaptive pedagogy and sensory regulation.

Working under the guidance of the SENCO, you will support the delivery of personalized learning plans and Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) that promote independence, confidence, and wellbeing.

We are looking for someone who:

Has experience working with children with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within an SEN base, special school, or targeted setting.
Demonstrates a sound understanding of specialized SEND practice, sensory needs, and adaptive strategies.
Is passionate about creating accessible, low-arousal, and engaging learning opportunities both indoors and outdoors.
Enjoys supporting children's learning, communication, and play through structured and individualized approaches.
Is exceptionally warm, patient, empathetic, and resilient.
Is organized, highly adaptable, and skilled at de-escalation and thinking on their feet.
Shows initiative and approaches challenging situations with a calm, positive, and therapeutic mindset.
Works effectively as part of a collaborative team alongside teachers, the SENCO, and external specialists.
Builds trusting, positive relationships with children, families, and multi-agency professionals.
Places children's wellbeing, regulation, and holistic development at the centre of their practice.
Has a supportive sense of humour and thrives within a dedicated SEN setting.

Experience in the following areas would be particularly desirable:

Utilizing alternative communication systems (e.g., PECS, Makaton, or visual schedules/visual aids).
Supporting children on the Autism Spectrum (ASC) and implementing sensory strategies.
Delivering targeted speech, language, and occupational therapy interventions
Supporting children with complex behavioral, emotional, and self-regulation needs.
Assisting with personal care, medical, or mobility needs where required.

Holistic development is embraced across our school. We are therefore seeking an individual who can promote the physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and social development of every child in our SEN Base.

Relevant SEND qualifications, Level 2/3 Learning Support Assistant qualifications, NVQs, or HLTA status are desirable. Specialized training (such as Team-Teach, Autism Awareness, PECS, or Makaton) and a First Aid qualification would be advantageous. A good standard of English and mathematics is essential.

We use a Trauma Perceptive Practice approach and place the highest value on inclusion, belonging, and celebrating diversity.

In return, we offer the opportunity to work within a welcoming and supportive school community where children are valued, staff are encouraged to access specialist SEND training and professional development, and every day brings new opportunities to make a positive difference.

The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Following safer recruitment procedures, any appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, medical clearance, and an enhanced DBS check.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

For further information, please contact Mrs Marlow (Assistant Head/SENDCo) via the school office on 01268 785741.

Previous applicants need not reapply

We reserve the right to interview and appoint suitable candidates before the closing date.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.