SEN Support Worker / Teaching Assistant

TeacherActive Ltd; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

TeacherActive Ltd is seeking an experienced SEND Learning Support Assistant / Support Worker to join a specialist school and college in Chelmsford. You will support children and young people aged 3–19 with complex SEND, providing 1:1 and small-group assistance and personal care where required.

This role demands extensive SEND experience and the ability to manage challenging behaviour. Immediate start, term-time pattern, and long‑term opportunities are offered in a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Extensive SEND experience is essential.
• Ability to provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex needs.
• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviours and personal care requirements.
• Good communication skills and ability to build trusting relationships with pupils and staff.
• Calm, patient, and resilient approach with a proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex SEND.
• Assist with personal care, including toileting, dressing and feeding where required.
• Aid with moving and handling in line with training and individual care plans.
• De‑escalate challenging situations using positive behaviour support strategies.
• Support non‑verbal pupils and those using alternative communication methods.
• Help pupils access sensory activities and individualized learning programmes.

Skills

SEND experience

Behaviour support

Personal care support

Communication skills

Resilience

Job description

Hours: Monday – Friday | School Hours

Start Date: ASAP

Experience: EXTENSIVE SEND EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL

Pay: Competitive Daily Rates – Dependent on Experience

Are you an experienced SEND Support Worker or Learning Support Assistant looking for your next challenge? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

TeacherActive is recruiting a

highly experienced SEND Learning Support Assistant / Support Worker to join a fantastic specialist school and college in Chelmsford, supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This position requires someone with significant hands‑on SEND experience who is confident supporting pupils with complex needs, challenging behaviour and personal care requirements.

We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running, build positive relationships with pupils and become a reliable member of an experienced SEND team.

Why should you apply?

• IMMEDIATE START! An excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND professional available now.
• LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITY! Build strong relationships with pupils and become part of a supportive school team.
• SPECIALIST SEND SETTING! Work with children and young people who genuinely benefit from your experience and support.
• COMPETITIVE RATES OF PAY! Rates discussed based on your experience and suitability.
• PAID TRIAL DAYS AVAILABLE! Meet the team and experience the school before committing to a longer-term position.
• TERM-TIME WORK! Enjoy working around the school calendar.
• REWARDING ROLE! Make a real difference to pupils with complex additional needs.

What will you be doing?

As a SEND Learning Support Assistant, you'll be supporting pupils with a range of complex needs, including:

• Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)
• Complex communication and sensory needs
• Physical disabilities and mobility difficulties
• Behaviours that challenge
• Personal care and additional physical support needs

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex SEND.
• Supporting pupils with personal care, including toileting, dressing and feeding where required.
• Assisting with moving and handling in accordance with training and individual care plans.
• Managing and de‑escalating challenging situations using positive behaviour support strategies.
• Supporting non‑verbal pupils and those who use alternative communication methods.
• Helping pupils access sensory activities and individualised learning programmes.
• Encouraging independence, communication and emotional development.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other specialist support staff.

Who are we looking for?

Previous SEND experience is ESSENTIAL for this position.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Extensive experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
• Previous experience working in specialist SEND schools, residential care or complex‑needs settings.
• Strong understanding of SLD, PMLD, Autism and complex additional needs.
• Confidence supporting pupils who display challenging behaviour.
• Experience providing personal care and physical support.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour support and de‑escalation strategies.
• Experience with moving and handling, hoisting or specialist equipment.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships.
• The confidence to work independently while following school policies and individual support plans.
• This role would particularly suit an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant, SEN Support Worker, Residential Support Worker or Complex Needs Care Assistant looking to work in education.

If you have a strong background in SEND and are looking for a rewarding long‑term position where your experience will genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you!

All applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is central to our recruitment practices, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All applicants are subject to thorough vetting and safer recruitment checks before being cleared to work.