SEN Support Worker

SEN Support Worker

Preston Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with special educational needs in a residential school setting.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team at a specialist residential school in Preston.
  • Benefits: Flexible shifts, potential for permanent roles, and free training provided.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in SEN or care is a plus, but not essential; compassion is key.
  • Other info: Driving licence preferred due to the rural location; weekend shifts required.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Do you want to be part of a team that helps children and young people with special educational needs thrive every day? We’re seeking caring, reliable, and proactive individuals to join a specialist residential school in the Preston PR3 area. This is a fantastic opportunity to start on an agency basis, with the potential to secure a permanent role for the right candidates.

The Role:

  • As a Support Worker, you’ll play a vital role in providing consistent care and support for children with autism, learning difficulties, and complex behavioural needs.
  • Your responsibilities will include:
  • Assisting with day-to-day routines and activities in both educational and residential environments
  • Offering personal care where needed in a respectful and supportive manner
  • Encouraging independence and developing social and life skills
  • Creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment
  • Working collaboratively with a dedicated team to deliver high-quality care

Ideal Candidate:

  • Experience working in SEN, care, or education settings is desirable but not essential
  • Compassionate, calm, and able to manage challenging behaviour
  • Strong communication skills and a person-centred approach
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-in shifts

What’s on Offer:

  • Flexible shifts to suit your availability
  • Consistent agency work with the potential to become permanent
  • Training and development to support your growth
  • Rewarding work where you make a lasting difference
  • Permanent contracts after completing a handover period

Location:

Preston PR3 – a driving licence and access to transport is an advantage due to the rural setting.

If you’re ready to build a meaningful career supporting young people to reach their full potential, we want to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

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Contact Detail:

Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land SEN Support Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with autism and learning difficulties. Understanding their behaviours and communication styles can help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting them.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any relevant experience, even if it's informal, such as volunteering or caring for family members with special educational needs. This shows your passion and willingness to learn, which is crucial in this role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've demonstrated patience and problem-solving skills. Interviewers will be looking for examples of how you handle challenging situations, so think of specific instances to share.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the residential school setting and its values. Being able to articulate why you want to work there and how you align with their mission can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace SEN Support Worker

Empathy and Compassion
Strong Communication Skills
Behaviour Management Techniques
Understanding of Autism and Learning Difficulties
Personal Care Skills
Teamwork and Collaboration
Flexibility and Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Patience and Resilience
Ability to Encourage Independence
Knowledge of Child Development
Organisational Skills
First Aid Certification
Safeguarding Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the SEN Support Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these needs.

Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience in SEN, care, or education settings, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage challenging behaviour and support children with special educational needs.

Showcase Your Skills: Focus on your communication skills and person-centred approach in your application. Mention any relevant training or qualifications that support your capability to provide care and support in a residential school setting.

Express Your Passion: In your cover letter, convey your enthusiasm for working with children and young people with special educational needs. Share why you want to be part of a team that makes a difference in their lives, and how you can contribute positively to their development.

How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel

✨Show Your Passion for SEN

Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with children and young people with special educational needs. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would adapt your communication style to meet the needs of different children, especially those with autism or complex behavioural needs.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, such as managing challenging behaviour or supporting a child during a difficult moment. Think through your responses and consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

✨Highlight Flexibility and Teamwork

Since the role requires flexible hours and teamwork, be ready to discuss your availability and how you work collaboratively with others. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal.

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