Job Description

From Pitch to Classroom: Sports Coach to SEN Teaching Assistant

Summary

A specialist school in the Whitehaven area is offering an exciting opportunity for someone with a background in sport or coaching to transition into education. This long-term role is ideal for those who are ready to bring their teamwork, motivation, and leadership skills into a meaningful, classroom-based setting.

The Role

This is a hands-on, dynamic Teaching Assistant position supporting children with Special Educational Needs. You'll work closely with experienced teaching staff to engage pupils through movement, structure, and positive reinforcement--often using physical activities and routines that reflect your coaching strengths. Whether you're helping with sensory integration, building emotional regulation strategies, or supporting social development, your active, encouraging approach will be highly valued.

The Ideal Person and Skills/Education Needed

You might be a sports coach, fitness instructor, or activity leader who thrives on helping others succeed. Experience with SEND is welcome but not essential--what matters most is your natural rapport with young people, your ability to lead by example, and a calm, resilient attitude. A qualification in care, health and social care, youth work, or a related field is desirable for roles in specialist settings.

You may have experience in:

Supporting young children in a nursery, school, or care setting Working with children with SEND (Autism, ADHD, developmental delay) Bringing a patient, positive, and child-centred approach to everything you do

The School

This forward-thinking specialist school provides a supportive and nurturing environment for pupils aged 4-19 with a range of complex needs. Staff work collaboratively to deliver highly individualised learning, placing emphasis on communication, consistency, and emotional wellbeing. There's a strong culture of respect, positivity, and professional growth.

Hours

8.30?am-3.30?pm, Monday to Friday. Both full-time and part-time applications are encouraged.

The Benefits

Competitive pay, a long-term opportunity with the potential to move into a permanent role, and a rewarding chance to transfer your coaching skills into education where they can make a lasting difference.

Step off the sidelines and into the classroom--use your sporting strengths to support pupils who need it most.

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.Your day-to-day will include:

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Pay: 14.00-16.00 per hour

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Referral programme
Work Location: In person