Disability Support Worker (Classroom-based)
Inspire, Support and Empower
A career in education can be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. Every day brings the chance to help pupils develop confidence, independence and skills that will support them both in school and beyond.
Summary
We are currently working in partnership with a specialist SEND setting in the Whitehaven area, seeking two compassionate, dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants. We welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in health and social care who are looking to transfer their valuable skills into education. Experience supporting adults or young people with disabilities is highly desirable.
In this role, you will work alongside qualified teachers to deliver personalised learning programmes tailored to each pupil's individual needs. Classes are typically small, with around 5–10 pupils, allowing for a supportive and nurturing learning environment. You will also work closely with a wider team of teaching staff, therapists and external professionals who support both pupils and their families.
Depending on your experience and strengths, you may support either primary or secondary-aged pupils. We will aim to place you in a setting where you can have the greatest impact and feel most confident in your role.
The Role
- Help create a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Build positive relationships with pupils and work collaboratively with colleagues to support learning and wellbeing.
- Assist the class teacher in delivering personalised learning activities and recording pupil progress through reading logs and learning journals where required.
- Support pupils during additional interventions and activities such as physiotherapy, swimming, sensory integration sessions, and speech and language support.
- Use a range of communication approaches, including PECS, Makaton, BSL and assistive communication technology. Full training can be provided where necessary.
- Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation using consistent and supportive strategies.
- Assist pupils during snack times, lunch periods and other daily routines when required.
The Ideal Candidate
- Minimum qualifications required: A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree, or equivalent)
- Has experience supporting adults or young people with disabilities, SEND, or additional needs.
- Is caring, patient and empathetic.
- Is reliable, committed and professional.
- Can adapt to the changing needs of pupils and the school environment.
- Holds a qualification in health and social care, education, psychology or a related field (desirable but not essential).
Working Hours and Details
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Term time only
- Location - Whitehaven
- Role Type: Full time / Part time
- Pay Rate: £14.60 - £16.90 per hour
If you are passionate about supporting young people and want to make a meaningful difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
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: £14.60-£16.90 per hour
Work Location: In person
