SEND Support Worker / Teaching Assistant

TeacherActive Ltd; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

TeacherActive is recruiting a SEND Support Worker / Teaching Assistant for a specialist SEND school in Bury St Edmunds. This full-time, on-site role offers competitive pay and the chance to work with pupils with severe learning needs.

You will support pupils 1:1 and in small groups, assist with lessons, and help pupils develop communication, independence and confidence in a safe learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in SEND, care, support work, healthcare, youth work or education.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
• Helping pupils engage with lessons and classroom activities
• Supporting children and young people with severe learning difficulties and complex needs
• Encouraging communication, independence and confidence
• Supporting pupils with their emotional regulation and behaviour
• Assisting with personal care where required
• Helping pupils during transitions, break times and lunchtimes
• Following individual support plans and guidance from teaching staff
• Creating a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment

Skills

SEND experience

Care/Support work background

Education/Youth work

Proactive

Job description

SEND Support Worker / Teaching Assistant

Pay: Competitive, dependent on experience

Salary: £102.56 to £102.56 a day

Hours: Full-time

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk (IP32)

Working pattern: On-site

Contract: Permanent

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 28 Sept 2026

Closing date: 28 Oct 2026

Are you a caring, patient and proactive individual looking to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs?

TeacherActive is working with a specialist SEND school in the Bury St Edmunds area that supports pupils with a range of severe and complex learning needs. The school is looking to appoint a dedicated SEND Support Worker / Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team on a full-time basis.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience in SEND, care, support work, healthcare, youth work or education, as well as individuals looking to transfer their skills into a school environment.

Responsibilities:

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
• Helping pupils engage with lessons and classroom activities
• Supporting children and young people with severe learning difficulties and complex needs
• Encouraging communication, independence and confidence
• Supporting pupils with their emotional regulation and behaviour
• Assisting with personal care where required
• Helping pupils during transitions, break times and lunchtimes
• Following individual support plans and guidance from teaching staff
• Creating a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Patient, caring and resilient
• Highly proactive and willing to get involved
• Confident building positive relationships with pupils
• Calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations
• Able to follow instructions while also using their own initiative
• Reliable, punctual and committed
• Comfortable working as part of a wider SEND team
• Background in care work, support work, healthcare, residential care, youth work, nursery work or SEN support
• Willingly get stuck in from day one, actively engage with pupils and offer support rather than waiting to be directed

What TeacherActive Can Offer:

• A dedicated recruitment consultant
• Competitive rates of pay
• Access to a wide range of SEND opportunities
• Ongoing support throughout your placement
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent work
• A referral scheme for recommending suitable teachers or support staff

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.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is central to our recruitment practices, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All applicants are subject to thorough vetting and safer recruitment checks before being cleared to work.