Trainee SEN Child Support Worker

Axcis Education Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcis Education Recruitment is offering a Trainee SEN Support Worker position in a supportive special school in Bristol. Ideal for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young adults with specialist educational needs. This role emphasizes inclusivity and personal growth, providing comprehensive training and career pathways for the right candidate.

Benefits

Induction and continuous professional development

Ongoing support from a multi-agency team

Potential teaching apprenticeships and progression routes

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• No prior experience required, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Confident communicators who can build trust with young people.
• Curious and open to professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils in learning and care-based activities.
• Encourage communication using various tools (PECS, Makaton).
• Work closely with specialists to deliver tailored support.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Resilience

Curiosity

Job description

Trainee SEN Support Worker - Bristol An opportunity to start a meaningful career in Special Education Start Date: September 2025, or ASAP for the right candidate Hours: 8:30am - 3.30pm Pay: From £13.89/hour If you're looking for a role that truly matters – where every day brings connection, growth, and purpose – we’d love to introduce you to a remarkable school in the Warmley (BS30) area. This is a special all-through school, supporting children and young people aged 4 to 19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), often alongside complex medical needs or behaviours that challenge. The needs are high, but the care is higher – and the ethos here is what makes it genuinely stand out. A school that stays with you When we visited recently, what struck us wasn’t just the facilities – though they are excellent – but the atmosphere. This is a place where staff speak about the pupils with real affection, where there's a tangible sense of calm and belonging, and where the culture is clearly being shaped with intention. The headteacher, who joined the school relatively recently, brings both clarity of vision and deep compassion to her leadership. Her approach centres on inclusion, collaboration, and wellbeing – not just for the pupils, but for the staff too. She’s building something special here: a place where young people feel safe and respected, and where the staff team feels supported, valued and part of something meaningful. The role: What you’ll be doing As a Trainee SEN Support Worker, you’ll be embedded in a class team, supporting pupils in both learning and care-based activities. Each child or young person has a unique profile, and your role is to build trusted, consistent relationships that help them engage with the world in a way that feels safe and empowering. Your day might include: Supporting with a highly individualised curriculum, tailored to sensory and developmental needs Helping pupils access creative and therapeutic activities – such as music, art, hydrotherapy or play Working closely with speech and language therapists, OTs and other specialists to deliver joined-up support Encouraging communication using a range of tools (PECS, Makaton, AAC) Facilitating outdoor learning and movement-based sessions Supporting with personal care, feeding and transitions throughout the day Creating moments of joy and play – whether that’s in a soft playroom, sensory garden, or the much-loved ball pool (which staff have admitted takes real willpower to resist jumping into themselves!) You’ll be part of a team that puts emotional understanding above behaviour control, and where no physical interventions are used. This is a Thrive school, where safety and connection come first. The curriculum: Learning through connection The curriculum is carefully structured across age groups: Early Years and Primary (4–11): Play-based, sensory-rich and deeply nurturing, focusing on early communication, regulation, and exploration. Activities may involve tactile play, nature-based learning, and building trust through routine. Secondary (11–16): Emphasis on life skills, communication, independence and emotional literacy, with tailored pathways depending on need. Sessions may include community interaction, cooking, creative arts, and physical development. Post-16 (16–19): A pathway into adulthood, with focus areas like supported work skills, travel training, and real-life preparation. Learning is meaningful, practical, and centred on personal goals. Who this is for: This role doesn’t require prior experience or a traditional education background – what matters most is your attitude and values. We’re looking for people who are: Naturally empathetic, calm and grounded Confident communicators who can build trust with young people Willing to learn, get stuck in, and work as part of a team Resilient and reflective – able to manage big emotions and stay centred Curious and open to professional growth Whether you're a graduate exploring SEND, someone changing careers, or returning to education – you’ll be fully supported with induction, CPD, and career pathways (including teaching apprenticeships and progression routes in SEND). Why this school? A leadership team that prioritises wellbeing and long-term development A multi-agency team (including SALTs, OTs, and play therapists) to support your practice Truly inclusive values, with no exclusion policy and a trauma-informed approach Creative, well-equipped spaces – sensory rooms, therapy suites, art and music zones, and outdoor classrooms A chance to be part of something bigger: a culture where everyone belongs INDSW

If you are interested, then please click on the apply button and contact Laura Dowson on 0117 472 2400 l Ext: 2014.

If you are not interested in this role but know someone else who might be, don't forget that we offer £50 in shopping vouchers if you refer a friend to us and we place them in the job. For more details, contact your local Axcis office.

This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).

Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions.

You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.

Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.

View the disclaimer

Contact: Laura Dowson

Telephone: [phone] l Ext: 2014