SEN Learning Support Assistant

Advantage Education; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time role

30 hours/week

Mon-Fri

Strong team environment

Specialist facilities

Job summary

Advantage Education is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support children aged 6–16 with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties in a specialist setting.

The role offers a high staff-to-pupil ratio, small groups, and access to specialist facilities to deliver personalised, practical learning experiences tailored to each child.

You will work closely with teachers and the support team to build confidence, independence and positive relationships.

Qualifications

• Patience, compassion, resilience and enthusiasm for supporting children with additional needs.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and stay calm in challenging situations.
• Transferable skills from care work, nurseries, NHS or youth work are welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support to children with a range of additional needs.
• Support pupils with autism, complex needs and moderate to severe learning difficulties.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and encourage their confidence and independence.
• Assist with learning activities and help pupils engage with their education.
• Make use of specialist facilities and practical learning environments to support pupils' development.
• Support pupils with their communication, social and emotional development.
• Work closely with teachers and other members of the specialist support team.
• Help create a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment.

Job description

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs?

We are looking for a dedicated and caring SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist educational setting, supporting children and young people aged 6–16 with autism, complex needs and moderate to severe learning difficulties.

The setting provides a high staff-to-pupil ratio and small group environment, allowing staff to provide personalised support and build strong, positive relationships with the children.

The campus has a range of specialist facilities designed to support learning, development, sensory regulation and independence. These include a soft playroom, sensory immersion room, food technology room and other dedicated learning and activity spaces. These facilities provide staff with fantastic opportunities to deliver engaging, practical and personalised experiences tailored to each child's individual needs.

The Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide individual and small-group support to children with a range of additional needs.
• Support pupils with autism, complex needs and moderate to severe learning difficulties.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and encourage their confidence and independence.
• Assist with learning activities and help pupils engage with their education.
• Make use of specialist facilities and practical learning environments to support pupils' development.
• Support pupils with their communication, social and emotional development.
• Work closely with teachers and other members of the specialist support team.
• Help create a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment.
• Celebrate each child's progress and help them achieve their individual goals.

About You

We are looking for someone who is patient, compassionate, resilient and enthusiastic, with a genuine desire to support children with additional needs.

Previous experience within SEN is beneficial but is not essential. We welcome applications from people who have transferable skills from a range of backgrounds, including care work, nurseries and early years settings, the NHS or other healthcare environments, youth work or other roles involving children, young people or vulnerable individuals.

You will need to be able to work effectively as part of a team, remain calm and positive in challenging situations, and adapt your approach to meet the individual needs of each pupil.

What’s on Offer

• Full-time, permanent position
• 30 hours per week
• Monday to Friday
• A high staff-to-pupil ratio and supportive team environment
• Excellent specialist facilities, including sensory and practical learning spaces