SEN Support Staff

Empowering Learning Ltd; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Empowering Learning is seeking a dedicated SEN Support Assistant to join a welcoming school in Derbyshire and surrounding areas. You will provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEN, helping them access the curriculum and participate in activities, with a patient and nurturing approach.

You will work within a supportive team that values collaboration, ongoing training, and safeguarding. Flexible arrangements include full-time, part-time, and supply roles, with a competitive

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with special educational needs in a school, care, or similar setting.
• Patient, calm and nurturing with strong emotional resilience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow individual support plans and adapt approaches to meet pupil needs.
• Up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEN, including autism, SEMH, speech and language difficulties, and learning disabilities.
• Support pupils to access the curriculum, adapting activities and resources as needed.
• Implement strategies set out in EHCPs, IEPs and individual support plans.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive engagement in learning.
• Work closely with class teachers, the SENCO, and other support staff to ensure consistent support for each pupil.
• Communicate professionally with parents/carers where appropriate.
• Liaise with external agencies and specialists as required.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions and CPD opportunities relevant to SEN support.
• Uphold the school's safeguarding policies and report safeguarding concerns promptly.

Skills

Experience with SEN

Patience & calm

Communication skills

Follow support plans

Safeguarding knowledge

Enhanced DBS

UK work eligibility

Education

Teaching/Support qualification

Job description

SEN Support Assistant - Derbyshire & Surrounding Areas

Reference: SEN Support

Location: Derbyshire and surrounding areas

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / Supply

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience ( 100- 120 per day)

Start Date: ASAP

Contract: Permanent / Fixed-Term / Day-to-Day Supply

About Empowering Learning

Empowering Learning is an education recruitment agency dedicated to connecting talented, passionate education professionals with rewarding opportunities across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas. We work closely with a wide network of schools, from mainstream primary and secondary settings to specialist SEN provisions, to match candidates with roles that suit their skills, experience, and career goals. Our consultants offer honest, personalised support throughout the entire process - from application to placement and beyond.

The Role

We are working on behalf of a welcoming and inclusive school in Derbyshire and the surrounding areas to find a dedicated, patient SEN Support Assistant. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting children and young people with special educational needs to thrive both academically and personally.

You’ll join a supportive staff team within a school that values collaborative working, ongoing training, and a nurturing environment for both pupils and staff. The role would suit someone who is calm, resilient, and committed to helping every pupil reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

Pupil Support

• Provide tailored one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with a range of special educational needs, including autism, SEMH, speech and language difficulties, and learning disabilities


• Support pupils to access the curriculum, adapting activities and resources as needed


• Implement strategies set out in EHCPs, IEPs, and individual support plans


• Encourage independence, confidence, and positive engagement in learning

Behaviour & Wellbeing

• Support pupils with emotional regulation, sensory needs, and behaviour management using de-escalation and positive behaviour strategies


• Promote a calm, safe, and consistent environment for pupils to learn and develop


• Build trusting, positive relationships with pupils to support their wellbeing

Assessment & Progress

• Monitor and record pupil progress, communicating updates to teachers and the SENCO


• Assist with reviewing and contributing to individual support plans and targets


• Provide feedback to support planning and intervention strategies

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with class teachers, the SENCO, and other support staff to ensure consistent support for each pupil


• Communicate professionally and sensitively with parents/carers where appropriate


• Liaise with external agencies and specialists (e.g., speech and language therapists, educational psychologists) as required


• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and CPD opportunities relevant to SEN support

Safeguarding

• Uphold the school's safeguarding policies at all times, promoting the welfare and wellbeing of every pupil


• Report any safeguarding concerns promptly through the correct channels

Requirements

Essential

• Experience working with children or young people with special educational needs (in a school, care, or similar setting)


• A patient, calm, and nurturing approach with strong emotional resilience


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


• Ability to follow individual support plans and adapt approaches to meet pupil needs


• Up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding procedures


• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one


• Eligibility to work in the UK

Desirable

• Relevant qualification (e.g., Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, SEN, or Health and Social Care)


• Experience with specific needs such as autism, ADHD, SEMH, or physical disabilities


• Training in Team Teach, Makaton, or other behaviour/communication strategies


• Experience supporting pupils in a specialist SEN provision or resource base

What We Offer

• Competitive, market-leading pay rates


• Access to a wide range of SEN and support roles across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas, including short-term, long-term, and permanent placements


• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities, including SEN-specific training


• Supportive, friendly school environments matched to your preferences and strengths


• A dedicated, experienced consultant offering personalised support throughout your job search and placement


• Flexible working options, including full-time, part-time, and supply arrangements


• Fast, straightforward registration process