Learning Support Assistant

senploy; Chatham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An education recruitment agency in Chatham is seeking Learning Support Assistants to support students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The role involves managing challenging behaviours and building trusting relationships with students aged 11-16. Successful candidates will start on a temporary basis with the opportunity to transition to permanent roles providing essential support in an inclusive educational environment. A competitive salary of £105 per day is offered, with a commitment to ethical recruitment practices.

Qualifications

• Up-to-date DBS on the update service or willingness to pay for a new one.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience working with children facing trauma and attachment issues.

Responsibilities

• Support students aged 11-16 with SEMH.
• Manage challenging behaviour effectively.
• Build trusting relationships with students.

Skills

Experience supporting children/young adults with SEMH

Ability to create bonds with students

Experience working in challenging environments

Understanding of restraint and attachment training

Solid knowledge of safeguarding

Experience as a Foster Carer

Job description

Classroom Support are excited to be working with a school in Chatham that is looking to recruit a number of Learning Support Assistants to start after over the next couple of months on temp to perm contracts.

The school supports students aged 11-16 with SEMH. The environment can be very challenging in terms of behaviour however the senior leadership team look to promote staff members that work hard and make a lasting positive impact on their students’ lives. There are huge opportunities to progress.

Positions will start on a temporary basis with the option of going permanent after a number of weeks working with the academy through our Classroom Support agency.

Experience Required

• Experience supporting children/young adults with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) support needs and challenging behaviour management.
• Ability to create bonds with students who have had trauma and attachment difficulties and quickly build trust.
• Experience working within a Pupil Referral Unit, SEMH school, young offenders institute, within the Youth Justice system or children’s homes is advantageous.
• Experience mentoring children and young adults within SEN schools or with a mental health or young offenders background.
• Understanding of restraint training (advantageous but not necessary) and attachment training (advantageous but not necessary).
• Solid knowledge and experience supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
• Understanding of supporting children within the foster system or looked‑after children. Previous work as a Foster Carer would be a big advantage.

Salary and Contract

The rate of pay is £105 per day for the right candidates. Temp to perm option also.

Requirements

Applicants must have an up‑to‑date DBS on the update service or be willing to pay £63.70 for a new DBS if they do not have one, in order to be placed in a school.

This role requires a sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including references and an Enhanced DBS check in line with DfE guidelines.

Additional Opportunities

If you are interested in more Primary or Mainstream School based roles we will still get in touch as we are very busy with SEN Teaching Assistant roles across Medway and all of Kent.

Why Join Us?

As an ethical, inclusive, and independent education recruitment agency, we’re committed to placing high‑quality professionals into meaningful roles across UK schools. We value building long‑term relationships and supporting your career every step of the way.

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria and would like to make a difference to children with Social and Emotional support needs, who need adults they can trust to mentor them, please do get in touch and we will call you as soon as possible!

Interested in applying? Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your full and up‑to‑date CV. One of our dedicated consultants will be in touch to discuss your experience and next steps.

Let’s work together to help you make a lasting impact in SEN education.