At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with complex special educational needs in a caring and proactive manner.
- Company: Specialist SEN school in Uxbridge dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and training in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help empower students with profound learning difficulties.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN and a calm, patient approach are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Harris Lee Recruitment are working with a specialist SEN school in Uxbridge to recruit multiple Special Support Assistants across Level 1 and Level 2.
The roles involve supporting pupils with complex special educational needs, including profound and multiple learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, autism, sensory needs, communication difficulties and physical disabilities.
The school is looking for caring, resilient and proactive support staff who are confident working with pupils both inside and outside of the classroom.
You will help pupils access learning, build independence, develop confidence, manage social situations and engage positively throughout the school day.
There are opportunities available at both Level 1 and Level 2, depending on your experience.
Level 1 roles may suit candidates with experience supporting children or young people with SEN, either in a school, care, support work or similar setting.
Level 2 roles are better suited to candidates with stronger SEN experience, particularly those who have worked with PMLD, SLD, complex needs, non‑verbal pupils, sensory needs, physical disabilities or communication difficulties.
The role may involve working 1:1, supporting small groups, assisting with classroom activities, preparing resources, supporting behaviour and communication strategies, and working closely with teachers and therapy staff.
Applicants must be comfortable supporting pupils with personal care where required, including feeding, toileting, hygiene and mobility support.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting pupils with complex SEN, including PMLD, SLD, autism, sensory and communication needs
- Working 1:1 and with small groups under the direction of teaching staff
- Helping pupils access learning and classroom activities
- Encouraging independence, confidence and positive social interaction
- Supporting personal care, feeding, toileting, hygiene and mobility where required
- Preparing learning resources and classroom materials
- Supporting communication, sensory and behaviour strategies
- Liaising with teachers, therapy staff and wider support teams
- Keeping records of pupil progress, concerns and positive developments
- Promoting a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment
- The Ideal Candidate Will Have
- Experience supporting children or young people with SEN
- A calm, patient and resilient approach
- Confidence supporting pupils with high levels of need
- Willingness to assist with personal care
- Good communication, literacy and numeracy skills
- The ability to work well as part of a team
- An understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries
- An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one
- Particularly Suitable Experience
- PMLD or profound disabilities
- SLD or complex needs
- Specialist SEN school experience
- Non‑verbal pupils or communication difficulties
- Physical disabilities or mobility support
- Sensory needs
- Personal care, feeding or toileting
- AAC, PECS, Makaton, Signalong or Widgit
- Manual handling, hoisting or moving and handling
- Autism, Sp LD, dyslexia or behaviour support training
- NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Learning Support, Childcare, Health & Social Care or similar
- Apply Now
To be considered for one of these Special Support Assistant roles, please apply with your CV today.
We are especially interested in hearing from candidates with experience supporting pupils with profound disabilities, PMLD, SLD, complex needs, sensory needs, communication difficulties, physical disabilities or personal care requirements
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Special Support Assistant — SEN (PMLD/Complex Needs) in London employer: Harris Lee
Harris Lee Recruitment offers a rewarding opportunity for SEN Support Specialists in Uxbridge, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with complex needs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, providing ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills. Join us in a role that not only values your contributions but also prioritises your well-being and professional advancement in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Support Assistant — SEN (PMLD/Complex Needs) in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Harris Lee.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Harris Lee!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Harris Lee, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Harris Lee or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Support Assistant — SEN (PMLD/Complex Needs) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Harris Lee:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Harris Lee! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Lee
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
