SEN Teaching Assistant
Summary
Sense Education is looking for a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant for a specialist SEN school in Whitehaven, to join its experienced, nurturing team. This is a long-term temporary role with the potential to become permanent. Competitive pay is guaranteed.
The Role
This hands-on classroom-based position is ideal for someone who values structure, empathy, and tailored support. Working 1:1 or in small groups, you’ll help pupils with Autism, communication needs, and complex learning differences engage with learning, regulate their emotions, and develop essential life skills in a calm, therapeutic setting.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing individual and small group support across a range of learning needs.
- Using visual supports, sensory tools, and alternative communication strategies.
- Adapting learning tasks to match each student’s EHCP and preferred learning style.
- Supporting emotional regulation through consistent, positive behaviour strategies.
- Assisting with personal care where required (training provided).
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and other staff to create a supportive, inclusive environment.
The Ideal Person and Skills/Education Needed
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Minimum qualifications required: A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree, or equivalent)
- Emotionally resilient, patient, and calm in challenging situations.
- A strong team player with excellent communication skills.
- Adaptable to different learning styles and behavioural needs.
- Willing to support with personal care and follow individualised plans.
- Motivated by the opportunity to make a daily difference.
Experience in any of the following is valued but not essential:
- Autism, ADHD, and non-verbal communication needs.
- PECS, Makaton, or sensory processing support.
- Youth work, care work, or experience supporting individuals with SEND.
The School
This well-established specialist school in Whitehaven supports pupils aged 4–19 with Autism and associated learning needs. With small class sizes, a collaborative team approach, and a focus on wellbeing and steady progress, it’s an environment where both staff and students can flourish.
Working Hours and Details
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Term time only
- Location - Whitehaven
- Role Type: Full Time / Part time/ Temp to Perm
- Pay Rate: £14.60 - £16.90 per hour
The Benefits
- A consistent, classroom-based role with school-day hours.
- Competitive pay.
- Ongoing training and professional development in SEND.
- A long-term temporary role with the potential to become permanent.
If you’re ready to support pupils who experience the world differently, this could be your next rewarding step.
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.
Pay: £14.60-£16.90 per hour
Work Location: In person
