SEND Learning Support Assistant Sense Education

Sense Education Limited; Whitehaven; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate SEND Learning Support Assistant to join their dedicated team in Whitehaven. This part-time role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pupils with autism and complex needs. You will assist in learning activities, promote social development, and create a nurturing environment. With flexible hours and ongoing training, this position is perfect for someone looking to balance work with personal commitments while making a real difference. Join a supportive team that values your contributions and helps shape the future of every child.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Ongoing training

Supportive team

Long-term role

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting individuals with autism or other additional needs.
• Qualified in health & social care, childcare, or education.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with autism and complex needs in a specialist class.
• Encourage communication and social development.

Skills

Empathy

Experience with autism

Communication skills

Teamwork

Patience

Education

Health & Social Care qualification

Childcare qualification

Relevant degree

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Job description

Part-time hours. Long term impact.

We’re looking for a compassionate, reliable person to join a specialist school in Whitehaven as a SEND Learning Support Assistant, supporting pupils with autism and complex needs. This part-time role offers the chance to work 3 or 4 weekdays each week—allowing you a good work/life balance, and the opportunity to grow in a supportive environment.

Are you looking for a rewarding role that fits around your life while still making a real difference? This is a fulfilling position for someone with experience in SEND, care, or education who’s ready to be part of something meaningful. Your support will help shape children’s daily experience and long-term progress.

The roleAs a SEND Learning Support Assistant you’ll work within a small, specialist class team to support pupils with autism and complex needs. You’ll assist with learning activities, encourage communication and social development, and help create a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Some personal care may be required depending on individual needs. You’ll be empowered to support pupils’ wellbeing and learning, and you’ll be part of a team that values your insight and contribution every day.

The ideal person We’re looking for someone who is:

• Kind, calm and consistent
• Experienced in supporting individuals with autism or other additional needs
• Qualified in health & social care, childcare, education or holds a relevant degree
• Comfortable learning new skills like PECS or Makaton (training provided)
• Passionate about helping young people feel understood and included

Whether you’ve worked in care, education, or have personal experience with SEND, your empathy and dedication are what matter most.

The school This welcoming Whitehaven-based school offers a safe, inclusive space for pupils with autism and complex needs. With small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios, the school places strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, personalised support and celebrating every child’s unique journey.

Hours 3 or 4 days per week (weekdays only) 8.30am – 3.30pm

The benefits

• Competitive pay
• Ongoing training
• A long-term, meaningful role
• Supportive, understanding team

Help create a world where every child with SEND feels understood, included and valued.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.