Learning Support Assistant – Specialist SEND School
Location: Witham, Essex
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm (Term Time Only)
Pay: £100 – £105 per day (PAYE)
Contract: Temp-to-Perm
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 wide range of additional needs, including ASC, ADHD, SEMH, and SLD. Many pupils require highly structured, consistent, and individualised support to help them regulate emotions, access learning, and develop confidence in their abilities.
The school is widely recognised for its nurturing ethos, strong therapeutic approach, and commitment to ensuring that every pupil is supported to achieve meaningful progress, both academically and personally. Staff work collaboratively to create a safe, predictable, and positive environment where pupils can thrive.
We are currently seeking dedicated, patient, and resilient Learning Support Assistants to join the team on a temp-to-perm basis, with genuine opportunities for long-term progression.
About the Role
As a Learning Support Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis, helping them to access learning and develop essential emotional and social skills throughout the school day. You will be working closely with teaching staff, therapists, and pastoral teams to deliver consistent and personalised support in line with individual education and behaviour plans.
This is a highly rewarding and hands-on role where no two days are the same. You will be instrumental in helping pupils feel safe, understood, and able to engage positively with their learning.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils to support engagement and emotional security
- Supporting learning activities both inside and outside the classroom environment
- Assisting pupils with emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
- Implementing tailored support plans designed by teaching and SEND specialists
- Encouraging independence, communication, and active participation in learning
- Working closely with teachers, therapists, and wider support staff to ensure consistency
- Remaining calm, patient, and consistent when managing challenging behaviour or emotional dysregulation
- Providing personal care where required, with dignity and respect
- Adapting flexibly to support across different classes, age groups, and learning environments
This role is central to the school’s holistic and therapeutic approach, helping pupils build confidence, resilience, and long-term independence.
What the School Offers
This specialist school places a strong emphasis on staff development, wellbeing, and long-term career progression. As part of the team, you will benefit from:
- A comprehensive five-day induction programme at the start of your role
- Structured shadowing with experienced staff to ensure confidence in routines and expectations
- Ongoing specialist SEND training, including behaviour support and manual handling
- A highly supportive and collaborative working environment
- Clear and realistic career progression pathways into long-term or permanent roles
- The opportunity to work within a well-resourced and expanding specialist provision
Who This Role Would Suit
This position would be ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs, including:
- Graduates considering careers in education, psychology, social care, or therapy
- Individuals with experience working with children or young people in any setting
- Existing Learning Support Assistants or SEND practitioners seeking a new opportunity
- Anyone with a genuine interest in supporting pupils with autism, SEMH, or learning difficulties
Above all, the school is looking for individuals who are compassionate, resilient, and committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable learners.
Apply Now
If you are motivated by the opportunity to support pupils with complex needs and want to be part of a specialist team making a real impact every day, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Harry at Parker Smith Inclusion for more information.