Job Description

Dance Instructor - SEN Teaching Assistant (Whitehaven)

Bring your creativity, rhythm, and energy into a role that changes lives.

Are you a

dance teacher or instructor

ready to take your passion beyond the studio?
Would you love to help children grow in confidence, expression, and independence--both in and outside the classroom?

Sense Education

is working with a welcoming

Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in Whitehaven

and is seeking a

Dance Teacher or Movement Specialist

to step into a full-time or part-time

Teaching Assistant

role. This is your chance to use your movement-based background in a meaningful new way--supporting young people with

Autism, ADHD, communication needs

, and

social-emotional differences

.

Why Dance Teachers Make Great SEN TAs

As a dance instructor, you know how to:

Break routines into small, achievable steps Use movement for expression and emotional regulation Build confidence through encouragement and consistency Adapt to different learning styles and energy levels
These are exactly the kind of skills that help children with additional needs thrive in a SEN classroom.

This Role Could Be Perfect If You:

Want to inspire and support children who benefit from creative, movement-based learning Are considering a career in

education

,

creative therapies

,

youth work

, or

SEND support

Are calm, patient, and confident in leading small groups or 1:1 sessions Are ready to make a positive difference every single day

About the Role

As a

SEN Teaching Assistant

, you'll support children aged 4-16 in both classroom and movement-based activities. You'll help students stay regulated, engaged, and included--building skills for both learning and life.

Your Day-to-Day Might Include:

Supporting children with

Autism, ADHD

, and

communication needs

(1:1 or in small groups) Encouraging movement and sensory activities as part of learning and wellbeing Helping manage behaviour and emotional regulation using calm, structured approaches Using tools such as

PECS, Makaton

, or

visual schedules

(training provided) Building trust and consistency through creative expression and positive reinforcement

We Welcome Applicants With:

A background in

dance, movement, or performing arts instruction

Experience working with children or vulnerable individuals A calm, adaptable, and enthusiastic personality A genuine interest in SEN, mental health, or inclusive education

About the School

This Whitehaven-based SEN school is purpose-built to support pupils with complex needs. With sensory rooms, outdoor learning spaces, and a creative, therapeutic ethos, it's a nurturing environment where children are supported to flourish emotionally, socially, and academically.

Hours & Schedule

Days:

Monday to Friday

Hours:

8:30am - 3:30pm

Full-time or part-time

options available

Term-time only

- No weekends

Start date:

Immediate or flexible

Why Join Sense Education?

Weekly pay Full training in

safeguarding

,

SEN support

, and

communication strategies

Clear pathways into long-term roles or teacher training Temp-to-perm opportunities

Apply now

to bring your movement and creativity into a classroom where it truly matters.

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: 91.00-105.00 per day

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Referral programme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends
Work Location: In person