Job Description

From Care to Classroom - SEND Support Assistant (Whitehaven)

Use your experience in care, mental health or support work to empower young people in education

Have you supported individuals with complex emotional or behavioural needs--and now want to make a difference in a school setting? This is a powerful opportunity to bring your compassion and professional care experience into the classroom. A specialist school in Whitehaven is looking for an experienced, resilient and nurturing individual to join their dedicated team. Full-time and part-time applicants welcome.

The Role

This is a long-term role supporting pupils aged 5-16 who have additional needs including autism, social-emotional challenges and mental health difficulties. You'll work closely with teachers and therapists to deliver consistent, pupil-centred support--both 1:1 and in small groups.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Supporting pupils with self-regulation, focus and emotional wellbeing Adapting classroom activities to suit individual learning needs Building consistent, trusting relationships through structure and calm communication Promoting a safe, respectful environment for all learners Implementing tailored behaviour and support plans with guidance from experienced staff

Who You Are

This role is ideal for someone with a background in:

Care or residential support work Mental health services or crisis support Youth work or social services Education or pupil referral units
You'll bring valuable experience working with individuals who may display behaviours that challenge, along with the emotional intelligence and practical strategies to support them.

You'll also need to be:

Emotionally resilient and calm under pressure Patient, consistent and clear in your communication Focused on helping young people feel safe, seen and supported Open to training and working as part of a collaborative, trauma-informed team Ideally qualified in Health and Social Care, Psychology or a related field--but lived or professional experience is equally valued

The School

This Whitehaven-based specialist school provides a stable, nurturing learning environment for pupils with complex SEND needs. Class sizes are small, routines are structured, and therapeutic support is embedded into every aspect of school life. Staff work closely as a team to ensure consistency, care and compassion remain central to each pupil's experience.

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm Term-time only Full-time preferred, but part-time considered for the right candidate September Start

The Benefits

Competitive pay Long-term, stable role with potential to become permanent Specialist training and ongoing development

You've supported others through their toughest moments--now help young people find their way forward. Apply today.

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

Pay: Up to 16.00 per hour

Benefits:

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

Monday to Friday No weekends
Application question(s):

What interests you in working with children?
Work Location: In person