Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant

Academics Ltd; Havering-Atte-Bower; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rate

Long-term contract

Permanent position after contract

Supportive school environment

Job summary

Academics Ltd is recruiting a Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant for a Havering primary school. The role focuses on dedicated 1:1 support for pupils with complex needs, including autism and communication challenges, to help them access learning and feel included.

The ideal candidate will be patient, empathetic and adaptable, building positive relationships with pupils and following personalised plans. Long-term contract with potential permanent position.

Qualifications

• Have previous experience supporting children with SEND, ideally within a primary school setting.
• Have an understanding of autism, communication difficulties and complex additional needs.
• Be patient, empathetic and adaptable, with a positive approach to supporting individual needs.
• Be confident responding to challenging situations in a calm and consistent manner.
• Be passionate about helping children overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support within the classroom.
• Help pupils communicate their needs and engage with classroom activities.
• Support emotional regulation and individual sensory needs.
• Follow personalised support and behaviour plans.
• Respond calmly and consistently to challenging behaviour.
• Provide personal care where required.
• Encourage independence and celebrate individual achievements and progress.

Skills

1:1 support

SEND experience

Autism awareness

Child development

Job description

Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant

Location: Havering, Essex

Are you a patient, caring and dedicated Learning Support Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can make a genuine difference to children's lives?

Academics are currently working with a primary school in Havering who are looking to welcome a Specialist SEND Learning Support Assistant to their team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working closely with children with additional needs and wants to play an important role in helping them feel confident, supported and included in their learning.

Starting ASAP, this is a long‑term position running until July 2027, with the potential to become permanent for the right person. The successful candidate will provide dedicated 1:1 support to pupils with complex needs, including autism, global developmental delay, communication difficulties and sensory needs.

You will take the time to build positive relationships with pupils, understand their individual ways of communicating and discover the best ways to help them feel comfortable, access learning and develop greater independence.

Role will involve:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support within the classroom.
• Helping pupils communicate their needs and engage with classroom activities.
• Supporting emotional regulation and individual sensory needs.
• Following personalised support and behaviour plans.
• Responding calmly and consistently to challenging behaviour.
• Providing personal care where required.
• Encouraging independence and celebrating individual achievements and progress.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have previous experience supporting children with SEND, ideally within a primary school setting.
• Have an understanding of autism, communication difficulties and complex additional needs.
• Be patient, empathetic and adaptable, with a positive approach to supporting individual needs.
• Be confident responding to challenging situations in a calm and consistent manner.
• Be passionate about helping children overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

What Academics can offer:

• A competitive daily rate of £95-£115, depending on experience.
• An immediate start with a long‑term contract until July 2027.
• The opportunity for a permanent position afterwards.
• The chance to make a real difference within a supportive primary school environment.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy