Job Description

**Please apply via mynewterm using the following link**

https://mynewterm.com/jobs/924469475/EDV-2026-HWE-40641

Two exciting opportunities to join Hatfield Wick Education in January 2027!

Do you lead with kindness, believe in the potential of every young person and recognise that sometimes the smallest steps can represent the biggest achievements?

Due to the continued growth and expansion of Hatfield Wick Education (HWE), we are looking for two compassionate, patient and dedicated Therapeutic Learning Support Assistants to join our team.

We are looking for people who share our values, understand that every young person's journey is different and want to make a genuine difference.

About the Role

As a Therapeutic Learning Support Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the emotional wellbeing, personal development and educational progress of our learners.

Working closely with our education and therapeutic teams, you will help create an environment where young people feel safe, understood and confident enough to engage in learning and new experiences.

Working hours are 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year. Following Essex County Council term dates.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building positive, trusting and consistent relationships with learners.
• Providing individual and small-group learning, emotional and pastoral support.
• Supporting children and young people with neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD and SEMH difficulties.
• Helping learners develop emotional regulation, resilience, confidence and independence.
• Using trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming approaches to understand and respond to individual needs.
• Supporting therapeutic and SEMH interventions under the guidance of appropriately qualified colleagues.
• Using co-regulation, de-escalation and positive behaviour support strategies to help learners navigate challenging situations.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, the SENCo, therapeutic colleagues and other professionals to deliver personalised support.
• Supporting learners to work towards their individual learning goals and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes.
• Recognising and celebrating progress, however small.
• Helping to create a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every learner feels respected and valued.
• We recognise that progress looks different for every young person. For some, success might mean completing a piece of work. For others, it might be entering a classroom, building a trusting relationship or simply feeling comfortable enough to try something new.
• Every achievement matters, and so does the person who helped make it possible.

About You

We are looking for people who genuinely care about children and young people and believe that every learner deserves the opportunity to succeed.

You will be someone who:

• Leads with compassion, patience and understanding.
• Builds positive, professional relationships with children and young people.
• Recognises the importance of consistency, trust and emotional safety.
• Remains calm, supportive and resilient when faced with challenges.
• Understands that behaviour can be a form of communication and looks beyond the behaviour to understand the underlying need.
• Respects and celebrates individuality, recognising that every young person experiences the world differently.
• Encourages learners to develop confidence, independence and a sense of achievement.
• Enjoys working collaboratively and contributing to a supportive team.
• Is reflective, adaptable, open to learning and committed to professional development.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and maintaining professional boundaries.

You will also need:

• Experience working with children or young people in an educational, therapeutic, pastoral or support setting.
• An understanding of neurodivergence, SEMH needs, trauma and barriers to learning.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A willingness to develop your knowledge of therapeutic, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
• Experience supporting learners with SEND or EHCPs, relevant qualifications in education, psychology, counselling or youth work, and training in trauma-informed practice would be advantageous.
• Above all, we are looking for people with the right values, attitude and genuine commitment to making a difference.

Our CARES Values

At HWE, our CARES values are at the heart of everything we do. They shape how we support our learners, work together and treat one another.

Compassion - We recognise that every young person has their own story and approach challenges with kindness, patience and understanding.

Autonomy - We encourage learners to develop confidence, independence and the ability to make positive choices.

Respect - We celebrate individuality, value differences and treat everyone with dignity.

Empathy - We take the time to understand others, recognising that behaviour can often communicate an unmet need.

Support - We work together, knowing that positive outcomes are built through relationships, teamwork and consistency.

We are looking for people who don't just understand these values but bring them to life through their everyday actions.

Why Join Hatfield Wick Education?

At HWE, we know that our people make the difference.

Supporting young people with additional needs can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

We believe that to provide the best possible support to our learners, we must also invest in the people who work alongside them.

As part of our team, you will:

• Join a caring, welcoming and collaborative working environment.
• Work alongside passionate colleagues who are committed to making a difference.
• Have access to training and continuing professional development.
• Benefit from reflective supervision to support your professional development and wellbeing.
• Be encouraged to share your ideas, strengths and experience.
• Have the opportunity to develop your skills within a growing organisation.
• Be part of a team where your contribution is recognised and valued.
• As HWE continues to grow, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of our provision and grow professionally alongside us.

We don't expect every day to be easy, but we do believe that every day brings an opportunity to make a difference.

Safeguarding Statement

Hatfield Wick Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks, including:

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Children's Barred List check where applicable.
• Satisfactory employment references.
• Verification of identity, qualifications and right to work in the UK.
• Any additional pre-employment checks required for the role.
• In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, online searches will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our safeguarding and recruitment process.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every young person is respected, valued and protected.

Information about the School

Hatfield Wick Education is an Accredited Alternative Education Provider for Essex that delivers education and therapeutic services for children and young people who cannot access learning in a mainstream setting.

We are commissioned by the Local Authority, schools, and families to provide educational and therapeutic support to children and young people with a diverse range of special educational needs, including:

• Anxiety / ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) • Asperger's • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) • ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) • Sensory Processing Disorder (auditory, visual, sensory, memory) • Attachment Disorder (including those associated with adoption & fostering) • Separation Anxiety Disorder

Our overarching goal is to identify challenges, remove obstacles and build strategies to help children and young people reach, maintain, and exceed their personal goals and boost their confidence and self-esteem. By doing this, they can return to mainstream education and continue to thrive.