Job description
Sensory Support Worker – Specialist School, Poole
We are looking for compassionate, patient and dedicated Sensory Support Workers to join a specialist school in Poole. The school supports pupils aged 2-19 with a wide range of complex needs, including:
1. Autism
2. Sensory Processing and Integration Difficulties
3. Communication Differences
4. Complex Developmental Delay
5. Physical Disabilities
6. Complex Medical Needs
7. Emotional and Mental Health Needs
8. Sensory and Physical Disabilities
Your Role as a Sensory Support Worker
You will play a key part in supporting pupils’ sensory, emotional and communication needs by:
9. Providing 1:1 or small‑group sensory support to help pupils regulate and engage
10. Using sensory strategies, communication aids and visual supports
11. Supporting pupils with personal care and medical routines (training provided)
12. Working closely with teachers, therapists and wider support teams
13. Promoting emotional wellbeing, independence and positive behaviour
14. Responding calmly and adaptively to sensory overload, distress or changes in routine
15. Helping create sensory‑friendly learning spaces and activities
Contract Details
16. Location: Poole
17. Role: Sensory Support Worker
18. Setting: Specialist SEN School
19. Start: ASAP
20. Contract: Full‑time, Monday-Friday
21. The school also welcomes applications from supply staff available for day‑to‑day, short‑term or long‑term cover
22. Pay: £ per hour
23. Hours: 08:45 – 15:30
Experience, Training and Qualifications
We welcome applicants from education, care, residential, therapy or medical backgrounds.
You will need:
24. Experience supporting children or young people with SEN or complex needs
25. Understanding of autism, sensory processing needs, communication differences or PMLD
26. GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths
27. Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships
28. Empathy, patience and emotional intelligence
29. The ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to individual needs
Personal Qualities
We are looking for individuals who are:
30. Warm, patient and nurturing
31. Resilient and calm in challenging situations
32. Able to work collaboratively and independently
33. Passionate about supporting pupils with sensory and complex needs
34. Committed to helping every child feel safe, understood and successful
Eligibility
35. Right to Work in the UK
36. Enhanced child‑barred list DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
37. Professional references covering the last 24 months
What We Offer
38. Free accredited CPD, including sensory needs, SEN, safeguarding and behaviour training
39. Ongoing support from an experienced education team
Please note, due to high volume of responses, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.