SEND Assistant

SENDSORY LTD; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 21,573 - 26,367; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Six training days per year

Job summary

Sendsory Ltd in Ipswich is seeking SEND Assistants to support our SLD/PMLD group, with many non-verbal children. The role includes personal care and working 40 hours weekly on a fixed-term contract from 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2027.

You will work 08:00–16:30, term time only (39 weeks per year), delivering 1:1 and small group sessions, supporting EHCP outcomes and AQA units, in a therapeutic, child-centred environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEND.
• Understanding trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches.
• Experience supporting children with communication, emotional regulation and learning needs.
• Confidence supporting children with behaviour that may challenge.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children and families.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging 1:1 and small group sessions under the Therapeutic Teacher's direction.
• Implement EHCP outcomes within sessions for each child.
• Support pupils to achieve outcomes linked to AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates.
• Promote life skills, social communication, emotional regulation and independence.
• Encourage confidence, self-help skills and peer relationships for daily life and learning.
• Provide personal care for children as required, maintaining dignity and privacy.
• Set up and tidy therapeutic spaces before/after sessions.
• Support during breakfast and lunch times, encouraging independence and social interaction.
• De-escalate challenging behaviour using trauma-informed/restorative approaches.
• Build positive relationships and model appropriate behaviour and boundaries.
• Record and report incidents and safeguarding concerns per procedures.
• Attend safeguarding and behavioural briefings and contribute to planning.

Skills

SEND experience

trauma-informed

communication

behaviour support

calm approach

Job description

Ipswich, Suffolk 40 hours £23,970.84 Fixed-term Starts 01/09/2026 Ends 31/08/2027 Closes 14/08/2026

We are currently seeking SEND Assistants to support our SLD/PMLD group. Many of the children are non-verbal, so experience supporting children with complex communication needs would be advantageous. Personal care will form part of this role.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work within a therapeutic, child-centred environment where every child is encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential.

This is a fixed-term contract from 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2027. The role is 40 hours per week, working 08:00–16:30, term time only (39 weeks per year).

Your role and responsibilities

As a SEND Assistant at Sendsory , you will support the delivery of our Therapeutic Curriculum through engaging, adaptive and child-centred practice. You will work closely with the Therapeutic Teacher to deliver 1:1 and small group sessions, helping children to access learning in a safe, nurturing and trauma-informed environment.

You will support children to develop confidence, communication, emotional regulation and independence, while helping them work towards EHCP outcomes and AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates.

In this role, you will:

deliver engaging, child-centred 1:1 and small group sessions under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher, including curriculum delivery

implement EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) outcomes within sessions for each individual child under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher

support pupils to achieve outcomes linked to AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher

promote the development of life skills, social communication, emotional regulation and independence through daily routines, structured activities and therapeutic interactions

encourage pupils to develop confidence, self-help skills, problem-solving abilities and positive peer relationships to support preparation for everyday life and future learning

provide personal care for children as required, maintaining dignity, privacy and respect at all times

set up and tidy therapeutic spaces before and after each session, ensuring a safe, welcoming and calming environment

support children during breakfast and lunch times, encouraging independence, communication and positive social interaction

actively de-escalate challenging behaviour using trauma-informed and restorative approaches, in line with Behaviour Safe in Education training

build consistent, positive relationships with pupils, modelling appropriate behaviour, emotional regulation and clear boundaries

record and report behaviour incidents, wellbeing concerns and safeguarding concerns in line with organisational procedures

undertake additional duties as directed by the Therapeutic Teacher, including preparing resources, printing, creating visuals, laminating, adapting materials and supporting the organisation of the learning environment

attend safeguarding and behaviour briefings, contributing to team debriefs and solution-focused planning

support emotional regulation, resilience and positive relationships through a trauma-informed and attachment-aware approach, recognising emotional triggers and responding with consistent, supportive strategies that promote emotional safety, predictability and trust

You will need

experience working with children with SEND

an understanding of trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches

experience supporting children with communication, emotional regulation and learning needs

confidence supporting children with behaviour that may challenge

the ability to build positive, consistent relationships with children and families

strong teamwork and communication skills

the ability to adapt learning activities and resources to meet individual needs

a calm, nurturing and flexible approach to supporting children

knowledge of safeguarding procedures and responsibilities

experience using visual supports and communication approaches such as PECS, Makaton or Talk Pads is desirable

relevant qualifications or experience within education, SEND or child development are desirable

Sendsory is a specialist Alternative Provision supporting children aged 4–11 with SEND. Our Therapeutic Curriculum helps children regulate their emotions, develop communication and social skills and build confidence in a nurturing environment.

We support children who are awaiting school placement, at risk of or who have experienced permanent exclusion and those who are disengaging from mainstream education.

What we offer

At Sendsory, you’ll join a small, supportive team, enjoy six training days per year and receive a competitive salary, all while making a real difference in the lives of children with SEND.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Sendsory is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We welcome applications from men as they are currently under-represented in this role.

Sendsory® Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we undertake rigorous safer recruitment checks for all roles. Appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS and barred-list check.

Your application is encrypted in transit and stored securely. Only authorised Sendsory® hiring staff can access it. Data is held in line with GDPR for up to 12 months following this recruitment process.