Disability Support Worker (Classroom-Based)
Bring your care experience into education and help pupils with complex needs thrive
Summary
Are you experienced in disability support and ready to explore a new path within education? Sense Education is working in partnership with a specialist setting in Whitehaven. This classroom-based role is an opportunity to use your care and communication skills to support children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and complex communication needs. Working closely with a skilled and compassionate team, you’ll help pupils access learning, develop independence, and feel safe and understood throughout the school day.
This is a meaningful step into education for those with backgrounds in care, health, or support work — particularly if you’ve worked with individuals with physical disabilities, non-verbal communication needs or complex medical conditions.
The Role
- Supporting pupils 1:1 or in small groups with PMLD, ASD, and additional needs
- Assisting with learning activities and classroom routines using consistent, structured approaches
- Encouraging independence in personal care, mobility, and communication
- Using alternative communication tools such as visuals, symbols or devices
- Supporting emotional regulation through calm, attuned interactions
- Delivering personal care with dignity and respect
- Working closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals to provide holistic support
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm — part-time and full-time applications welcome
The Ideal Person
- Minimum qualifications required: A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree, or equivalent)
- Qualified in Health and Social Care, Support Work or a related field
- Experienced in supporting individuals with disabilities, particularly those with PMLD or ASD
- Skilled in non-verbal communication strategies or willing to learn (e.g. PECs, Makaton, visual schedules)
- Calm, compassionate, and consistent — able to build strong relationships with pupils who rely on trust
- Comfortable with personal care and committed to maintaining pupils’ dignity and comfort
- A team player who values collaboration and continuous learning
The School
You’ll join a nurturing, specialist setting where every pupil is celebrated as an individual. With a focus on communication, care and consistency, the school offers a calm, well-structured environment that supports pupils at their own pace. You’ll be part of a team that shares a deep commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and holistic development.
Working Hours and Details
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Term time only
- Location - Whitehaven
- Role Type: Full Time, Part time, Temp - Perm
- Pay Rate: £14.60 - £16.90 per hour
The Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Weekday schedule with no evenings or weekends
- A chance to use your care skills in a new, rewarding environment
- Ongoing support from an experienced SEND team
- Long-term role with the potential to become permanent
Looking for a role where your support truly matters?
Apply now to bring your care experience into the classroom and make a daily difference in the lives of children with complex needs.
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.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm
Pay: £94.00-£110.00 per day
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
