SEND Learning Support Assistant – Specialist SEND School

Job Title: SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Location: Basildon, Essex
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Temporary / Long-Term Opportunities
Salary: Competitive Daily Rate

Do you have experience supporting children and young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)?

Are you confident supporting pupils with complex physical, sensory and communication needs, including providing personal care?

Are you a patient, compassionate and dedicated individual who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children with additional needs?

TeacherActive is proud to be working with a well-established specialist SEND school based in Basildon, Essex, supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and complex physical, sensory and communication needs.

The school provides a nurturing, inclusive and highly specialised learning environment, with modern sensory and therapeutic facilities designed to support pupils with a wide range of additional needs. The school takes a pupil-centred approach to education, focusing on developing communication, independence, social interaction and essential life skills through personalised learning programmes.

We are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join the school's experienced and supportive team. The successful candidate will work closely with teachers, therapists and other education professionals to provide high-quality learning support and personal care to pupils with complex and varying needs.

The Role

As a SEND Learning Support Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SLD, PMLD, autism and complex additional needs.
• Supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with their academic, physical, social and emotional development.
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging, differentiated and sensory-based learning activities tailored to individual abilities.
• Supporting non-verbal pupils and those with significant communication difficulties through alternative communication methods such as PECS, Makaton, visual aids and AAC devices where appropriate.
• Providing personal care support, including toileting, changing, feeding and maintaining pupils' dignity, comfort and wellbeing.
• Supporting pupils with physical disabilities and mobility difficulties, including safe moving and handling procedures and the use of specialist equipment where appropriately trained.
• Assisting with sensory-based activities, therapeutic interventions and individualised learning programmes.
• Helping pupils develop communication skills, independence, confidence and essential daily living skills.
• Supporting pupils who may experience emotional dysregulation or display behaviours that challenge, using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• Working alongside teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists to support pupils' individual development.
• Supporting pupils with their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets and monitoring progress towards individual learning goals.
• Encouraging pupils to participate in classroom activities, sensory sessions, outdoor learning and enrichment opportunities.
• Promoting a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment while following safeguarding and health and safety procedures.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND, particularly SLD, PMLD, autism or complex additional needs.
• Confidence and willingness to provide personal care to pupils with additional physical and learning needs.
• Experience supporting non-verbal pupils or those with complex communication difficulties.
• An understanding of alternative communication methods such as PECS, Makaton or AAC devices.
• Knowledge of sensory processing difficulties and strategies to support pupils with complex learning needs.
• Experience with moving and handling procedures or a willingness to undertake relevant training.
• Strong behaviour management skills and the ability to respond calmly and professionally to challenging situations.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• A calm, patient, compassionate and resilient approach when supporting vulnerable young people.
• The ability to work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other education professionals.
• A proactive and adaptable attitude, with a commitment to meeting each pupil's individual needs.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with SEND to achieve positive outcomes.

Previous experience working within specialist SEND schools, healthcare, residential care, support work or similar environments would be highly desirable.

In Return for the Above, You Can Expect:

• A dedicated team of consultants available 24/7 to support you throughout your placement.
• Access to our industry-leading CPD courses and certificates through the My-Progression channel.
• Competitive rates of pay.
• TeacherActive Referral Scheme – receive a £100 Amazon voucher when you refer a friend (terms and conditions apply).
• PAYE payment, ensuring you are paid correctly with no hidden administration charges.
• Opportunities for long-term placements and career progression within specialist SEND education.

If you are a passionate SEND Learning Support Assistant who is committed to supporting children and young people with complex learning, physical and communication needs, we would love to hear from you!

To apply, please contact Rayia Kelynack on 01245 335 533 or email rayia.kelynack@teacheractive.com.

All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive.

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, identity checks and the provision of good professional references. We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services.