Classroom Helper- SEN Support

five; Wedmore; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free DBS (refunded after 20 days)

Recommending a friend bonus

Specialist training & mentoring

Job summary

Five Education is seeking a Classroom Helper to support children with special needs in a primary school setting. You will work with teachers and SEN staff to assist individual students and small groups with learning activities, emotional support, and daily routines.

You should be patient, reliable, and able to motivate students, with experience working with autism or other SEN needs a plus. DBS update service and two references are required; DBS costs may be covered after 20 days of work.

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK; sponsorship not offered.
• Two recent references (last two years) required.
• DBS check: Update Service preferred; willing to apply if not on Update Service; cost of £62.70 may be reimbursed after 20 days.

Responsibilities

• Support SEN students in accessing the curriculum and classroom activities.
• Assist with personal care tasks per school policy and training.
• Promote social skills, independence and positive behaviour.
• Provide one-on-one or small group help during reading, writing, and hands-on tasks.
• Adapt learning materials under teacher direction to suit needs.
• Monitor and support students to stay on task throughout the day.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and parents for observation and support plans.

Job description

As a Classroom Helper for children with special needs, you will play a vital support role in ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel included in the classroom environment. Working closely with teachers and other support staff, your responsibilities will focus on assisting individual students or small groups with learning activities, emotional support, and day-to-day classroom routines.

You would need to be able to support children with the range of special educational needs including learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sensory, speech and language impairments and behavioural difficulties. The role involves helping the children to meet their individual learning targets and stay "on task" throughout the school day. You do not need knowledge of the curriculum, but you will need to be an excellent motivator.

Key Responsibilities

• Support students with special educational needs (SEN) in accessing the curriculum and participating in classroom activities.
• Assist with personal care tasks where required, including feeding, dressing, or toileting, in line with school policy and training.
• Encourage and promote the development of social skills, independence, and positive behaviour.
• Provide one-on-one or small group assistance during learning tasks, including reading, writing, and hands-on activities.
• Adapt or prepare learning materials under teacher direction to suit individual learning needs.
• Use strategies to help students manage emotional or behavioural challenges in a calm and respectful manner.
• Supervise and engage students during break times, outings, or other school activities.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs, and parents to share observations and contribute to individual support plans.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding and health and safety procedures at all times.

Key Skills & Qualities

• Patience, empathy, and a nurturing attitude
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow instructions while also showing initiative
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet a variety of student needs
• Experience working with children with autism, developmental delays, or other special needs (formal or informal)

Desirable Experience (Not Essential)

• Volunteering or working in a school, daycare, or with children with additional needs
• Knowledge of child development and basic SEN strategies
• First Aid or Safeguarding training
• Personal experience supporting individuals with autism or emotional challenges
• Access to a car and a UK driving licence

Essential Requirements

• Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
• Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
• Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one*
• Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

The pay for a standard 6.5-hour day is a minimum of £92.59, including holiday pay. However, the rate is dependent on experience, with the opportunity to earn more if you have relevant experience and qualifications.

What can Five Education offer you?

• Check out our Google reviews for one of the best supply experiences in the South West! We offer free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more
• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days)
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme
• Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working

Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.

Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.