Location:
Cressex, High Wycombe
About The School
We are a special school for children and young people aged
7-19
at this site, supporting those with
complex cognitive, sensory and communication needs
. Our pupils include those with autism spectrum conditions, profound or severe learning difficulties, physical and medical needs, sensory impairments and speech, language & communication needs. We work via a
life-skills curriculum
to help pupils build independence, communication, regulation, and readiness for life beyond school.
Our learning environment is therapeutic - we have speech and language therapists, occupational therapists on site. Well‐being, positive relationships and building skills for life are at the heart of what we do.
The role: Learning Support Assistant
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will support pupils in their day-to-day learning and development, enabling them to thrive in a safe, caring, structured environment. You'll work with small groups or 1:1, under supervision of teachers and therapists, to assist with both academic and personal / life skills.
Key Responsibilities
* Support teaching staff in delivering differentiated learning and life-skills curriculum
* Assist with communication: supporting use of communication devices, visual supports, or other means of non-verbal communication
* Help with social, emotional and behavioural regulation, working with low arousal approaches where needed
* Assist with sensory needs: supporting sensory regulation, occupational therapy advice, following programmes designed by therapists
* Support physical care needs, where required (e.g. mobility, personal care), safely and with dignity
* Supervise, engage and motivate pupils during lessons, break times, transitions and daily routines
* Support development of independence: daily living skills, self-help, life skills tasks etc.
* Observe, record and feedback on pupil progress and welfare; attend meetings / reviews as needed
* Follow safeguarding, health & safety, medication administration policies, and other school/professional protocols
Experience & Knowledge Required
We're interested in people from a care or support background, or anyone who has previously worked with children / young people with SEND. The ideal candidate will have:
* Some experience working with children, especially those with special educational needs, communication difficulties, sensory or physical impairments, or autism (though not essential - full training will be provided)
* Understanding or willingness to learn about behaviour management, low arousal approaches, de-escalation techniques
* Awareness of sensory processing issues and how to support regulation
* Good communication skills, patience, empathy, flexibility, resilience
* Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team of teachers, therapists, support staff
* A caring attitude and understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality etc
Why apply through SENDHelp?
By Working Through SENDHelp You'll Benefit From
* Competitive pay rates with the potential for regular raises or bonuses
* Support from SENDHelp's recruitment team who understand special education settings
* Access to tailored training and CPD (continued professional development) in areas such as communication, sensory regulation, therapeutic approaches etc.
* Opportunity to gain experience and build a career in SEND, especially valuable if coming from care/support sectors
* Flexible working patterns (part-time/full-time where available) and the chance to work in a specialist therapeutic environment
If you are passionate about supporting children with complex needs, want to help them build meaningful life skills, and come from a caring or SEND experience background, we'd love to hear from you.
As a specialist SEND recruiter, child safety and welfare is our number one priority. That is why we conduct thorough checks on all our candidates, and ensure that they abide by our Candidate Code of Conduct.
All Candidates will be required to provide an Enhanced DBS that is actively registered on the Update Service, or apply for one as part of the onboarding process. This is in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines. For further information please see our Safer Recruitment Policy.
SENDHelp is an equal opportunities employer.