Learning Support Assistant - SEMH - Witham

Empowering Learning; Witham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Empowering Learning is recruiting a compassionate Learning Support Assistant (SEND) for a specialist school in Witham, Essex. The role starts September 2026 and begins with a 12-week agency placement, moving to a fixed-term contract until July 21, 2027, with potential for extension or permanence.

You will work alongside the SENCo, teachers and leaders to deliver high-quality support, helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop confidence and achieve academically and socially in a

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND/SEMH
• Understanding of trauma and its impact on learning and behaviour
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Good literacy and numeracy, competent ICT usage
• Calm, patient, and resilient approach; works well in a MDT

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to pupils with SEND/SEMH needs.
• Deliver interventions to improve learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Build trusting relationships to boost confidence, resilience and engagement.
• Support positive behaviour using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Assist teachers with planning, activities and tracking pupil progress.
• Collaborate with parents, carers and external professionals to support pupils' development.

Skills

SEND support

SEMH understanding

Trauma-informed

Communication skills

Team collaboration

ICT skills

Literacy/Numeracy

Job description

Learning Support Assistant (SEND) - Witham, Essex

£21,817 per annum | 34 Hours per Week | Fixed-Term Contract | Temp-to-Perm Opportunity

Empowering Learning is recruiting on behalf of a specialist school in Witham for a compassionate and resilient Learning Support Assistant to join their dedicated team from September 2026.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly those who have experienced trauma, adversity and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges.

The successful candidate will initially join via a 12-week agency placement before transferring to the school's fixed-term contract until 21st July 2027, with the potential for the role to be extended or made permanent.

The Role

Working alongside the SENCo, teachers and senior leaders, you will provide high-quality one-to-one and small group support, helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop confidence and achieve both academically and socially.

You’ll become a trusted adult who builds positive relationships, promotes emotional wellbeing and helps create a safe, nurturing learning environment where every pupil can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEND, SEMH needs and those affected by trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
• Deliver one-to-one and small group interventions to improve learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Build strong, trusting relationships that encourage confidence, resilience and engagement.
• Support positive behaviour using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Assist teachers with planning, classroom activities and monitoring pupil progress.
• Work closely with parents, carers and external professionals to support pupils' development.
• Promote pupils' independence, social skills and preparation for future education and life.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding and pastoral support processes.

We’re Looking For

We’re keen to hear from candidates who have experience as a:

• Learning Support Assistant
• SEN Teaching Assistant
• SEND Support Assistant
• Behaviour Mentor
• Learning Mentor
• Teaching Assistant
• Youth Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Pastoral Support Worker
• Family Support Worker

You will ideally have:

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH, autism, ADHD or behavioural needs.
• An understanding of the impact of trauma and adversity on learning and behaviour.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.A calm, patient and resilient approach.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A genuine passion for helping young people achieve their potential.

What the School Offers

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Excellent CPD and specialist SEND training.
• Opportunities to develop your career within specialist education.
• A nurturing and inclusive working environment.
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives every day.

Working Hours

• 34 hours per week
• Monday to Thursday: 8:30am - 4:00pm
• Friday: 8:30am - 3:00pm

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, Right to Work checks and all other pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.