SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) - Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex

TeacherActive Limited.; Leigh on Sea; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

CPD opportunities

Refer-a-friend bonus

Long-term work potential

Job summary

TeacherActive is recruiting a dedicated SEND Learning Support Assistant to join an independent specialist school in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, starting after October half-term. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with autism, SEMH and additional learning needs, helping them access tailored lessons.

The role focuses on trauma-informed approaches, emotional regulation and building positive relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEND, SEMH or challenging behaviour.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
• Patient, resilient and compassionate in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with autism, learning difficulties and SEMH needs.
• Support pupils who may have experienced trauma or disrupted education.
• Help pupils manage emotions and develop positive behaviours.
• Assist teachers with engaging, differentiated lessons.
• Use trauma-informed and positive behaviour strategies to promote regulation.
• Support EHCP targets and social development.
• Encourage independence and safe engagement in education.

Skills

SEND experience

Trauma-informed

Behaviour management

Job description

Location: Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea
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 young people with Autism, SEMH and additional learning needs?

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

The school provides a highly personalised and nurturing learning environment for pupils aged 8–18 with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and associated social, emotional and mental health needs.

With small class sizes and a strong focus on individual development, the school offers a supportive setting where staff can build meaningful relationships with pupils and make a genuine difference to their education.

The Role

As a SEND Learning Support Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with autism, learning difficulties and SEMH needs.

Supporting pupils who may have experienced trauma, disrupted education or difficulties within mainstream school settings.

Helping pupils manage their emotions, develop positive behaviours and build trusting relationships.

Assisting teachers in delivering engaging, differentiated lessons tailored to individual learning needs.

Using trauma-informed and positive behaviour support strategies to promote emotional regulation.

Supporting pupils with EHCP targets, social development and communication skills.

Encouraging independence, confidence and positive engagement with education.

Helping create a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

Has previous experience working with children or young people with SEND, SEMH or challenging behaviour.

Has an understanding of autism, learning difficulties and trauma-informed approaches.

Is patient, resilient, compassionate and confident managing challenging situations.

Can build strong, positive relationships with pupils who may struggle with trust or emotional regulation.

Is passionate about helping vulnerable young people achieve their potential.

Can work effectively within a small, supportive school team.

Is available to start after October half-term.

Experience within specialist schools, alternative provisions, residential care, youth work or behaviour support would be highly beneficial.

Why Work with TeacherActive?

Competitive rates of pay.

A dedicated recruitment consultant supporting you throughout your placement.

Opportunities for long-term and ongoing work.

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).

Opportunities to gain valuable experience within specialist SEND education.

If you are passionate about supporting young people with additional needs and want to work in a school where you can make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!

Contact Rayia Kelynack at TeacherActive

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.

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.