SEND Learning Support Assistant - Specialist SEND School

TeacherActive Limited.; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

24/7 consultant support

CPD courses and certificates

Competitive pay rates

TeacherActive referral scheme: £100

PAYE payroll

Long-term placements and career growth

Job summary

TeacherActive is recruiting a SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) for a specialist SEND school in Chelmsford, Essex. You will work with pupils aged 3–19 with SLD, PMLD, ASD and complex needs, providing high-quality support alongside teachers and therapists.

You will assist with personal care, sensory sessions, and communication support, using PECS, Makaton or AAC devices where needed. Prior experience in SEND and a compassionate, patient approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEND, particularly SLD, PMLD, autism or complex additional needs.
• Confidence and willingness to provide personal care to pupils with physical and learning disabilities.
• Experience supporting non-verbal pupils or those with complex communication needs.
• Knowledge of alternative communication methods such as PECS, Makaton or AAC devices.
• Understanding of sensory needs and strategies to support pupils with complex learning difficulties.
• Experience with moving and handling procedures or willingness to undertake training.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SLD, PMLD, autism and additional complex needs.
• Support development across academic, physical, social and emotional domains.
• Assist teachers with differentiated and sensory-based activities tailored to each pupil.
• Support non-verbal pupils using PECS, Makaton, and AAC where appropriate.
• Provide personal care including toileting, changing, feeding while safeguarding pupils’ dignity.

Skills

SEND experience

Patience and compassion

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Personal care provision

Job description

Job Title: SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Temporary / Long-Term Opportunities
Salary: Competitive Daily Rate

Do you have experience supporting children and young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)?

Are you confident providing personal care and supporting pupils with complex physical, sensory and communication needs?

Are you a patient, compassionate and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about helping children with additional needs achieve their full potential?

TeacherActive is proud to be working with a well-established specialist SEND school based in Chelmsford, Essex, supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and complex physical, sensory and communication needs.

The school provides a nurturing, inclusive and highly specialised learning environment, with dedicated sensory rooms, motor therapy facilities and access to a range of therapeutic professionals. The school focuses on individualised learning, communication development, independence and essential life skills, ensuring every pupil receives the support they need to achieve their personal goals.

We are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join the school's experienced team. The successful candidate will work closely with teachers, therapists and other education professionals to provide high-quality support to pupils with a wide range of complex needs.

The Role

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

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SLD, PMLD, autism and additional complex learning needs.
• Supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with their academic, physical, social and emotional development.
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging, differentiated and sensory-based learning activities tailored to individual abilities.
• Supporting non-verbal pupils and those with significant communication difficulties, using alternative communication methods such as PECS, Makaton, visual aids and AAC devices where appropriate.
• Providing personal care, including toileting, changing, feeding and supporting pupils with their daily routines while maintaining their dignity and wellbeing.
• Assisting pupils with physical disabilities and mobility difficulties, including safe moving and handling procedures and the use of specialist equipment where appropriately trained.
• Supporting pupils with sensory processing difficulties through structured sensory activities and individualised learning programmes.
• Helping pupils develop independence, confidence, communication skills and essential daily living skills.
• Supporting pupils who may experience emotional dysregulation or display behaviours that challenge, using positive behavior management and de-escalation strategies.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists to support pupils' individual development.
• Supporting pupils in achieving their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets.
• Encouraging pupils to participate in classroom activities, sensory sessions, physical development programmes and enrichment opportunities.
• Maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment while following safeguarding and health and safety procedures.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEND, particularly SLD, PMLD, autism or complex additional needs.
• Confidence and willingness to provide personal care to pupils with physical and learning disabilities.
• Experience supporting non-verbal pupils or those with complex communication needs.
• An understanding of alternative communication methods such as PECS, Makaton or AAC devices.
• Knowledge of sensory needs and strategies to support pupils with complex learning difficulties.
• Experience with moving and handling procedures or a willingness to undertake appropriate training.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and staff.
• A calm, patient, compassionate and resilient approach when supporting vulnerable young people.
• The ability to work effectively alongside teachers, therapists and other professionals.
• A proactive and flexible attitude, with a willingness to adapt to the individual needs of each pupil.
• A genuine passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people with complex SEND needs.

Previous experience working within specialist SEND schools, healthcare, residential care, support work or similar environments would be highly desirable.

In Return for the Above, You Can Expect:

• A dedicated team of consultants available 24/7 to support you throughout your placement.
• Access to our industry-leading CPD courses and certificates through the My-Progression channel.
• Competitive rates of pay.
• TeacherActive Referral Scheme – receive a £100 Amazon voucher when you refer a friend (terms and conditions apply).
• PAYE payment, ensuring you are paid correctly with no hidden administration charges.
• Opportunities for long-term placements and career progression within specialist SEND education.

If you are a passionate SEND Learning Support Assistant who is committed to supporting children and young people with complex learning, physical and communication needs, we would love to hear from you!

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, identity checks and the provision of good 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.

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.