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 pay

CPD training courses

Specialist SEND recruitment support

Ongoing placement support

Opportunity for permanent employment

Career progression in SEND

Interview prep and onboarding

Job summary

Inspire EHC Ltd is recruiting a SEN Teaching Assistant to support children with SEMH needs, autism and trauma-informed challenges at a specialist school near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. You will work within a supportive team to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and build emotional resilience.

Role involves supporting classes of up to six learners, building confidence, regulating emotions and promoting positive outcomes inside and outside the classroom. Commute to Bury St Edmunds is needed.

Qualifications

• Must be compassionate and resilient when supporting vulnerable pupils.
• Trauma-informed approaches to help pupils feel safe and engaged.
• Excellent communication and teamwork within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Support pupils with SEMH, Autism, and trauma-related needs.
• Use trauma-informed strategies to support emotional regulation and engagement.
• Promote positive behaviour with calm, consistent approaches.
• Adapt learning activities to individual abilities and learning styles.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and SEN professionals.
• Support social, emotional, and academic development.

Skills

Compassionate

Resilient

Trauma-informed

Communication

Teamwork

Safeguarding

Education

GCSE Maths & English (Grade 4/C or above)

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

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

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

• 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

• 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.