Learning Support Assistant - SEN (Trauma-Informed Practice)

Inspire EHC ltd; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly PAYE

CPD courses

Specialist recruiters

Placement support

Permanent opportunities

Career progression

Interview prep

Job summary

Inspire EHC Ltd is recruiting a SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. You will support pupils with SEMH, Autism and trauma-informed needs, helping them build confidence and regulate emotions within small classes.

Working with a supportive multidisciplinary team, you will use trauma-informed strategies to promote engagement, resilience and positive learning outcomes across the school day.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEN, SEMH or Autism.
• Understand trauma-informed practice, attachment awareness or de-escalation techniques.
• Calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Committed to safeguarding and welfare of children.
• Able to commute to Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent, individualized support to pupils in small classes.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support emotional regulation and engagement.
• Promote positive behaviour through calm, nurturing approaches.
• Adapt learning activities to individual abilities and learning styles.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and SEN professionals.
• Support social, emotional and academic development.
• Encourage independence, resilience and self-confidence.
• Celebrate achievements and help pupils experience daily success.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Trauma-informed practice

Emotional regulation support

Patience

Safeguarding

Education

GCSE Maths and English 4/C+

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH, Autism & Trauma-Informed Practice)

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. This role is easily commutable from Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket, Newmarket, Thetford, Mildenhall, Brandon, Lakenheath, Haverhill, Ixworth, Thurston and surrounding areas across Suffolk and West Norfolk.

Salary: £14.50 - £16.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00
Contract: Temp to Perm
Start Date: November 2026 or asap

Make a Lasting Difference in a Child's Life

Are you a compassionate and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding role supporting children and young people with Autism, SEMH needs and trauma-related challenges?

Inspire EHC is recruiting for a SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. This is an excellent long term opportunity for someone passionate about helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers to learning, develop emotional resilience and reach their full potential.

Working within a highly supportive multidisciplinary team, you will use trauma-informed approaches to help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to engage in education.

About the School

Our partner specialist school supports children and young people with a range of additional needs, including:

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Communication and interaction difficulties
• Trauma and attachment-related needs

With small class sizes and a nurturing, therapeutic approach, the school creates opportunities for every pupil to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

The Role

As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to provide consistent, individualised support.

You will be supporting pupils within classes of up to six learners, helping them build confidence, regulate emotions and achieve positive outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• Support children with SEMH, Autism and additional learning needs
• Use trauma-informed strategies to encourage emotional regulation and engagement
• Promote positive behaviour through calm, consistent and nurturing approaches
• Adapt learning activities to suit individual abilities and learning styles
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and SEN professionals
• Support pupils' social, emotional and academic development
• Encourage independence, resilience and self-confidence
• Celebrate achievements and help pupils experience success every day

Requirements

To be considered for this SEN Teaching Assistant role, you will:

• Hold GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
• Have experience supporting children or young people with SEN, SEMH or Autism
• Understand trauma-informed practice, attachment awareness or de-escalation techniques
• Be calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations
• Have strong communication and teamwork skills
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Be able to commute to Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Ideal Experience

Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience as:

• SEN Teaching Assistant
• Learning Support Assistant
• Behaviour Mentor
• SEMH Teaching Assistant
• Autism Support Worker
• Youth Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Care Worker supporting young people
• Teaching Assistant in specialist education settings

Why Work With Inspire EHC?

• Weekly PAYE pay with no umbrella company deductions
• Access to over 20 FREE CPD training courses
• Specialist SEND recruitment consultants
• Ongoing support throughout your placement
• Opportunities for permanent employment
• Career progression within SEND and specialist education
• Dedicated support with interview preparation and onboarding

Safeguarding Statement

Inspire EHC Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.