At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND and SEMH needs, helping them thrive academically and socially.
- Company: Specialist school in Witham dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, SEMH, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 21817 - 21817 £ per year.
- Learning Support Assistant - SEMH - Witham (PJINDELSECWIT) Witham, England
- Learning Support Assistant (SEND) – Witham, Essex
- £21,817 per annum | 34 Hours per Week | Fixed-Term Contract | Temp-to-Perm Opportunity
- Empowering Learning is recruiting on behalf of a specialist school in
- Witham for a compassionate and resilient
- Learning Support Assistant to join their dedicated team from
September 2026 .
This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting children and young people with
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) , particularly those who have experienced trauma, adversity and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges .
- The successful candidate will initially join via a
- 12-week agency placement before transferring to the school's fixed-term contract until
21st July 2027 , with the potential for the role to be extended or made permanent.
The Role
Working alongside the SENCo, teachers and senior leaders, you will provide high-quality one-to-one and small group support, helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop confidence and achieve both academically and socially.
You’ll become a trusted adult who builds positive relationships, promotes emotional wellbeing and helps create a safe, nurturing learning environment where every pupil can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Support pupils with SEND, SEMH needs and those affected by trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
- Deliver one-to-one and small group interventions to improve learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
- Build strong, trusting relationships that encourage confidence, resilience and engagement.
- Support positive behaviour using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
- Assist teachers with planning, classroom activities and monitoring pupil progress.
- Work closely with parents, carers and external professionals to support pupils’ development.
- Promote pupils’ independence, social skills and preparation for future education and life.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding and pastoral support processes.
- We're Looking For
We’re keen to hear from candidates who have experience as a
- Learning Support Assistant
- SEN Teaching Assistant
- SEND Support Assistant
- Teaching Assistant
- Youth Worker
- Residential Support Worker
- Pastoral Support Worker
- Family Support Worker
You will ideally have
- Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH, autism, ADHD or behavioural needs.
- An understanding of the impact of trauma and adversity on learning and behaviour.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Good literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.
- A calm, patient and resilient approach.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- A genuine passion for helping young people achieve their potential.
- What the School Offers
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- Excellent CPD and specialist SEND training.
- Opportunities to develop your career within specialist education.
- A nurturing and inclusive working environment.
- A strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people’s lives every day.
- Working Hours
- 34 hours per week
Monday to Thursday
Friday
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, Right to Work checks and all other pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
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Learning Support Assistant - SEMH - Witham employer: Empowering Learning Ltd
Empowering Learning is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work as a KS3 Teacher in a specialist SEN school in the picturesque town of Dorking. With a strong focus on employee support and development, our close-knit team fosters a nurturing environment where every contribution is valued, allowing teachers to make a real difference in the lives of students with complex needs. Enjoy small class sizes, beautiful surroundings, and excellent transport links, all while engaging in some of the most meaningful teaching of your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant - SEMH - Witham
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
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Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Empowering Learning Ltd, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant - SEMH - Witham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Empowering Learning Ltd. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Empowering Learning Ltd. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Empowering Learning Ltd
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Empowering Learning Ltd.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Learning Support Assistant - SEMH - Witham role at Empowering Learning Ltd, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Empowering Learning Ltd that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
