SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) - Chelmsford, Essex

TeacherActive Limited.; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay rates

CPD courses

Long-term placements

Refer-a-friend £100 voucher

Job summary

TeacherActive is recruiting a dedicated SEND Learning Support Assistant for a specialist school in Chelmsford, Essex, to provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SLD, PMLD, autism and complex learning needs.

You will assist with communication, personal care where needed, and implement EHCPs under guidance, helping pupils develop independence and life skills in a nurturing environment. Start date after October half-term 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEND.
• Ability to adapt to individual learning needs.
• Patience, caring and enthusiastic approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SLD, PMLD, autism and complex learning needs.
• Support pupils with communication difficulties and alternative methods (PECS, Makaton).
• Assist teachers with engaging, sensory-based and differentiated activities.
• Support personal care, feeding and mobility as required per care plans.
• Help pupils develop independence and life skills.
• Promote a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Skills

1:1 support

Small-group support

SEND experience

Autism awareness

Makaton/PECS

Job description

SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Chelmsford, Essex

Location: Chelmsford, Essex

Start Date: After October Half Term – November 2026

Contract: Full-Time | Monday to Friday

Salary: Competitive Daily Rate

Agency: TeacherActive

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with complex learning needs and disabilities?

TeacherActive is currently recruiting for a dedicated and compassionate SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a fantastic specialist school in Chelmsford, Essex, starting after October half-term.

The school provides a supportive, inclusive and highly personalised learning environment for children and young people with a range of special educational needs, including Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex physical and communication needs.

With a strong focus on developing independence, communication and essential life skills, the school offers a nurturing environment where every pupil is encouraged to achieve their individual potential.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working closely with pupils with additional needs and wants to make a meaningful difference in specialist education.

The Role

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SLD, PMLD, autism and complex learning needs.
• Supporting pupils with communication difficulties, including those who are non-verbal or use alternative communication methods such as PECS, Makaton or communication aids.
• Assisting teachers with delivering engaging, sensory-based and differentiated learning activities.
• Supporting pupils with personal care, feeding and mobility where required, following individual care plans.
• Helping pupils develop independence, confidence, communication and everyday life skills.
• Supporting pupils with sensory processing difficulties and emotional regulation.
• Following individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to support pupil progress.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other specialist staff to provide consistent support.
• Creating a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has previous experience working with children or young people with SEND.
• Is patient, caring, enthusiastic and genuinely passionate about supporting pupils with complex needs.
• Has an understanding of autism, SLD, PMLD and communication difficulties.
• Is comfortable supporting pupils with personal care where required.
• Can adapt their communication style to meet individual pupil needs.
• Is reliable, resilient and confident working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Is available to start after October half-term.
• Experience within specialist schools, residential care, healthcare, support work or mainstream SEND provisions would be highly beneficial.
• We also welcome applications from candidates with relevant care experience who are looking to transition into education.

Why Work with TeacherActive?

• Competitive rates of pay.
• A dedicated recruitment consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
• Opportunities for long-term and ongoing placements.
• Access to CPD courses and professional development.
• A £100 Amazon voucher when you refer a friend who successfully completes 10 days of work (terms apply).
• The opportunity to gain valuable experience within specialist SEND education.

Contact Rayia Kelynack at TeacherActive

Email: (url removed)

Phone: (phone number removed)

All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

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