Location: Witham, Essex
Pay: £95 – £105 per day (PAYE)
Contract: Temp-to-Perm
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm, Term Time Only
Some children need more than support with their learning. They need someone who understands them, looks beyond their behaviour and helps them feel safe, confident and ready to succeed.
Parker Smith Inclusion is delighted to be working in partnership with a rapidly expanding specialist SEND school in Witham, supporting children and young people aged 4–19 with a range of additional needs, including ASC, ADHD, SEMH and SLD.
The school provides a nurturing, structured and therapeutic environment where pupils receive individualised support to help them manage their emotions, develop communication skills and access learning in a way that works for them.
We are looking for caring, patient and resilient Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join the team on a temp-to-perm basis. This is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career in specialist education, with a comprehensive induction, ongoing training and the potential to secure a permanent position.
The Role
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff, therapists and pastoral teams to provide tailored support, often on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis.
Your role will be about more than helping pupils complete their work. You'll help them develop trust, manage challenges, build relationships and recognise their own potential.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils to help them feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
- Supporting pupils with a range of additional needs, adapting your approach to suit their individual learning styles.
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support, both inside and outside the classroom.
- Helping pupils develop emotional regulation, communication and social skills.
- Using positive behaviour strategies to support pupils through moments of frustration, anxiety or dysregulation.
- Following individual education plans, behaviour support plans and guidance from specialist staff.
- Encouraging independence, confidence and participation in everyday learning activities.
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and colleagues to provide consistent support.
- Providing personal care where required, always maintaining pupils' dignity and wellbeing.
- Adapting to different classes, age groups and learning environments as needed.
No two days will be the same, but every day offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference to a young person's school experience.
What the School Offers
Joining a specialist setting can be a fantastic way to develop your skills, particularly if you're looking to build a long-term career in SEND.
The school offers:
- Five-day induction programme to help you settle into the role and understand the school's approach.
- Structured shadowing alongside experienced staff to build your confidence and knowledge.
- Specialist SEND training, including behaviour support and manual handling.
- A supportive, collaborative team with access to experienced teaching and therapeutic professionals.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development and career progression.
- The chance to join a growing specialist provision where your contribution genuinely matters.
- A temp-to-perm opportunity for those looking to establish themselves in a long-term role.
Who Would Suit This Role?
We're interested in hearing from people who genuinely want to make a difference, regardless of whether they've already worked in a specialist school.
This opportunity could be ideal for:
- Graduates interested in education, psychology, social care or therapeutic professions.
- Individuals with experience supporting children or young people in schools, care settings, residential environments or youth work.
- Existing Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants or SEND practitioners looking for their next opportunity.
- People interested in supporting children with autism, ADHD, SEMH or learning difficulties.
- Individuals looking to take their first steps into education and develop specialist skills through training and practical experience.
You don't need to have all the answers. Patience, resilience, consistency and a willingness to learn are just as important as previous experience.
The school needs people who can remain calm when things become challenging, celebrate the small wins and understand that progress looks different for every pupil.
Why Parker Smith Inclusion?
At Parker Smith Inclusion, we believe recruitment is about more than filling vacancies. It's about building relationships, understanding what makes people tick and finding opportunities where they can thrive.
We work closely with specialist schools across Essex, helping people find roles where their skills, personality and passion can make a lasting impact.
Whether you're an experienced SEND professional or looking to start a new career supporting children and young people, we're here to help you take that next step.
Apply Today
If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can develop your skills, receive specialist training and make a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today with your updated CV or contact Harry at Parker Smith Inclusion to find out more.