SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) - All Backgrounds Welcome

TeacherActive Limited.; Essex; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training

Ongoing professional development

Supportive school environment

Flexible working opportunities

Competitive pay rates

Potential long-term opportunities

Job summary

TeacherActive is seeking a proactive Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to support students across Essex schools. No classroom experience is required, and transferable skills from varied backgrounds are welcome.

You will help pupils with a range of special educational needs, building trust and encouraging learning in a nurturing environment. Join a supportive SEND-focused network offering training, flexible hours and opportunities for long-term roles.

Qualifications

• No prior classroom experience required.
• Transferable skills from education, healthcare, police, armed forces, sports coaching, residential care or support work are welcome.
• Ability to work with children with additional needs including ASC, SEMH, SLD, PMLD and communication difficulties.
• Strong patience, empathy and ability to build trusting relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with a range of SEND needs.
• Build positive relationships to help pupils feel safe, valued and understood.
• Support learning, communication and emotional wellbeing.
• Encourage independence and positive behaviour with patient guidance.
• Assist with personal care where required.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to create inclusive learning environments.
• Adapt activities to meet individual needs.

Job description

SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – All Backgrounds Welcome!

Location: Essex – Chelmsford, Basildon, Southend, Benfleet & Surrounding Areas

Start Date: ASAP

Contract: Full-Time / Part-Time, Temporary with Potential for Long-Term Opportunities

Salary: £95–£110 per day (depending on experience)

Are you looking for a rewarding career where your skills and experience can make a real difference in children's lives?

TeacherActive is working with a number of welcoming and supportive Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Schools across Essex, who are looking for enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated individuals to join their teams as Learning Support Assistants (LSAs).

You don't need previous classroom experience to apply!

We understand that the skills needed to support young people with additional needs can come from a variety of backgrounds. Whether you've worked in education, healthcare, the police, armed forces, sports coaching, residential care or support work, your transferable skills could make you a fantastic addition to a SEND school.

Our schools support children and young people with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), and communication difficulties.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can build positive relationships, encourage confidence, demonstrate patience and create a nurturing environment where every pupil feels supported.

We Would Love to Hear From People With Backgrounds In:

• Police & Emergency Services: Individuals with strong communication, empathy, problem-solving and experience supporting people in challenging situations.
• Armed Forces & Military: Those who bring teamwork, resilience, adaptability and a supportive, encouraging approach.
• Sports Coaching & Physical Education: Individuals who enjoy motivating young people, promoting confidence, encouraging participation and making learning engaging.
• Education & Childcare: Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants, Nursery Practitioners, Youth Workers and those with classroom experience.
• Healthcare & Care Work: Healthcare Assistants, Support Workers, Carers and Residential Care Workers who have experience supporting individuals with additional needs.
• Other Transferable Backgrounds: Anyone with a genuine passion for helping children and young people achieve their full potential.

The Successful SEND Learning Support Assistant Will Be Expected To:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with a range of special educational needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, helping them feel safe, valued and understood.
• Support children with their learning, communication, social development and emotional wellbeing.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive behaviour through patience and encouragement.
• Assist with personal care and physical needs where required.
• Work closely with teachers and other support staff to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Adapt activities to meet pupils' individual needs and abilities.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation and help them develop positive coping strategies.

The Ideal SEND Learning Support Assistant Will Have:

• A caring, patient and understanding approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build positive relationships with children and young people.
• Confidence working with individuals who may have additional learning, communication or emotional needs.
• A flexible and adaptable attitude.
• A genuine passion for supporting young people and making a positive difference.
• Previous SEND experience is desirable but not essential, as transferable experience will be considered.

In Return, You Can Expect

• Full training and ongoing professional development.
• A supportive school environment with experienced staff.
• The opportunity to gain valuable experience in education and SEND.
• Competitive rates of pay.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• A rewarding role where you can make a lasting impact on children's lives.
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent placements.

Our staff are paid on a PAYE basis, so you can rest assured that you're paying the right level of Tax and National Insurance, with no hidden admin charges coming out of your hard-earned pay.

Ready to Make a Difference?

All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive.

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and professional references.

We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with good rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services.

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

Equal Opportunities Statement

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

Safeguarding and DBS Compliance

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.