About River Bourne Edge
River Bourne Edge is an alternative education provision supporting children and young people who may find mainstream education difficult to access successfully.
Our approach is restorative, relational and trauma-informed. We believe that strong, consistent relationships are the foundation for engagement and learning. We take time to understand what may sit behind behaviour while maintaining clear boundaries, expectations and routines.
Our primary provision supports children with a range of additional needs, including SEND, SEMH needs, anxiety, difficulties with emotional regulation and children who may have experienced disrupted or unsuccessful school placements.
The Role
We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and resilient SEN Practitioner to join our team, working mainly within our primary provision.
This is a hands-on role supporting children both individually and in small groups. The successful candidate will help children to feel safe, settled and ready to learn, while supporting their academic, social and emotional development.
At River Bourne Edge, we recognise that progress does not always begin with completing a worksheet or sitting at a desk. Sometimes progress is a child entering the building, trusting an adult, joining an activity, managing a difficult moment or beginning to believe that they can succeed.
The role would suit someone who enjoys working creatively with children and understands that relationships come first.
Key Responsibilities
- Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with children and young people.
- Support primarily primary-aged children with a range of SEND and SEMH needs.
- Provide individual and small-group support under the direction of teachers and provision leads.
- Support children's learning across literacy, numeracy and wider curriculum activities.
- Help children to develop confidence, independence, communication and social skills.
- Support children who experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation or difficulties engaging with education.
- Use relational and restorative approaches to support behaviour rather than relying solely on sanctions and consequences.
- Recognise potential triggers and support children to regulate before situations escalate.
- Help create calm, welcoming and engaging learning environments.
- Support practical, creative, sensory and outdoor learning activities.
- Adapt activities and approaches to meet individual children's needs.
- Support children with transitions between activities, sessions and environments.
- Encourage children to recognise their achievements and develop a positive view of themselves as learners.
- Work closely with teachers, provision leads and other SEN Practitioners to provide consistent support.
- Contribute to observations and records of children's engagement, progress and wellbeing.
- Follow individual support plans, EHCP outcomes, risk assessments and agreed strategies where appropriate.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Follow all River Bourne Edge safeguarding, health and safety and safer-working procedures.
- Undertake training and professional development relevant to the role.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding children and young people is everyone's responsibility.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Understand and follow River Bourne Edge safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Remain alert to signs that a child may be at risk of harm.
- Report safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
- Complete all required safeguarding and safer-working training.
This post involves regulated activity with children and is subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, references and other pre-employment checks.
Person Specification
Essential
We are looking for someone who:
- Genuinely enjoys working with children and young people.
- Is patient, calm, nurturing and approachable.
- Can build positive relationships with children who may initially find it difficult to trust adults.
- Understands that behaviour is often a form of communication.
- Can remain calm when a child is distressed, dysregulated or challenging.
- Can maintain clear and consistent boundaries while remaining compassionate.
- Is flexible and able to adapt when a child's needs or the day's circumstances change.
- Can work effectively as part of a close team.
- Has good communication skills.
- Is reliable, professional and committed to safeguarding children.
- Is willing to learn and develop their understanding of SEND, SEMH and trauma-informed practice.
Desirable
- Previous experience working with primary-aged children.
- Experience supporting children with SEND and/or SEMH needs.
- Experience within a school, alternative provision, SEN setting, youth work or similar environment.
- Knowledge or experience of restorative or relational practice.
- Understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
- Experience supporting children with emotional regulation.
- Relevant Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare, SEND or a related area.
The Person We Are Looking For
Qualifications and experience are important, but the right person is just as important to us.
We are looking for someone who can see beyond behaviour and remain curious about what a child may be communicating. Someone who can laugh with our young people, celebrate the small wins and remain calm when things do not go to plan.
You will need to be able to combine warmth and compassion with clear boundaries and high expectations.
Above all, you should believe that children who have struggled in education deserve the opportunity to experience success.
Our Approach
At River Bourne Edge, we don't simply ask:
“What did you do?”
We explore:
What happened?
Who was affected?
What needs to happen now?
We believe in giving children the opportunity to repair relationships, learn from difficult situations and move forward.
Relationships First. Responsibility Always.
Equality and Inclusion
River Bourne Edge is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to supporting children and young people.
This job description provides an overview of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. The postholder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the nature and level of the role.
Pay: £22,500.00-£24,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Salisbury SP1 2SR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
