Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Job Type: Full-Time | Long-Term Opportunity
Hours: Monday – Friday | School Hours
Start Date: ASAP
Experience: EXTENSIVE SEND EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL
Pay: Competitive Daily Rates – Dependent on Experience

Are you an experienced SEND Support Worker or Learning Support Assistant looking for your next challenge? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

TeacherActive is recruiting a highly experienced SEND Learning Support Assistant / Support Worker to join a fantastic specialist school and college in Chelmsford, supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This position requires someone with significant hands-on SEND experience who is confident supporting pupils with complex needs, challenging behaviour and personal care requirements.

We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running, build positive relationships with pupils and become a reliable member of an experienced SEND team.

Why should you apply?

• IMMEDIATE START! An excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND professional available now.

• LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITY! Build strong relationships with pupils and become part of a supportive school team.

• SPECIALIST SEND SETTING! Work with children and young people who genuinely benefit from your experience and support.

• COMPETITIVE RATES OF PAY! Rates discussed based on your experience and suitability.

• PAID TRIAL DAYS AVAILABLE! Meet the team and experience the school before committing to a longer-term position.

• TERM-TIME WORK! Enjoy working around the school calendar.

• REWARDING ROLE! Make a real difference to pupils with complex additional needs.

What will you be doing?

As a SEND Learning Support Assistant, you'll be supporting pupils with a range of complex needs, including:

• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)

• Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

• Complex communication and sensory needs

• Physical disabilities and mobility difficulties

• Behaviours that challenge

• Personal care and additional physical support needs

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex SEND.

• Supporting pupils with personal care, including toileting, dressing and feeding where required.

• Assisting with moving and handling in accordance with training and individual care plans.

• Managing and de-escalating challenging situations using positive behaviour support strategies.

• Supporting non-verbal pupils and those who use alternative communication methods.

• Helping pupils access sensory activities and individualised learning programmes.

• Encouraging independence, communication and emotional development.

• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other specialist support staff.

Who are we looking for?

Previous SEND experience is ESSENTIAL for this position.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Extensive experience supporting children or young people with SEND.

• Previous experience working in specialist SEND schools, residential care or complex-needs settings.

• Strong understanding of SLD, PMLD, Autism and complex additional needs.

• Confidence supporting pupils who display challenging behaviour.

• Experience providing personal care and physical support.

• Knowledge of positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies.

• Experience with moving and handling, hoisting or specialist equipment.

• A calm, patient and resilient approach.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships.

• The confidence to work independently while following school policies and individual support plans.

This role would particularly suit an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant, SEN Support Worker, Residential Support Worker or Complex Needs Care Assistant looking to work in education.

Interested? Let's get you started!

If you have a strong background in SEND and are looking for a rewarding long-term position where your experience will genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you!

We are looking to arrange interviews and paid trial days as soon as possible, so early applications are encouraged!

Apply today or contact Bugsy directly for an informal chat about the opportunity.

Bugsy Barclay – TeacherActive
Phone: 01245 335 533
Email: bugsy.barclay@teacheractive.com

All applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Experienced in SEND? Confident supporting complex needs? Ready for your next opportunity? APPLY TODAY!