At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Leader Education, a specialist school in South Tyneside.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, referral bonuses, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Full training provided; ideal for those passionate about SEND education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people every day.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, patient, and a strong team player.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about empowering children and young people with additional needs to thrive? Leader Education is seeking a caring, motivated, and proactive SEND Support Assistant to join a highly regarded specialist school in South Tyneside. This rewarding role offers the chance to support pupils aged 2–19 with severe learning difficulties, including those with complex and profound needs, helping them overcome barriers, build confidence, and celebrate their achievements every day.
The school is recognised for its warm, therapeutic approach and strong sense of community, creating an environment where every learner is valued, encouraged, and given the tools to reach their potential. Working alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will play an important role in supporting pupils' academic progress, communication skills, independence, and overall wellbeing.
Your Role
As a SEND Support Assistant, you will provide meaningful support both in and out of the classroom, helping students access learning opportunities tailored to their individual needs while fostering a positive and nurturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing individual and small-group support for pupils with a range of additional needs
- Collaborating with teachers to deliver creative, personalised learning experiences
- Promoting communication, social development, and emotional wellbeing
- Encouraging independence and supporting the development of essential life skills
- Assisting with personal care and mobility requirements when needed (full training provided)
- Helping to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every pupil can succeed
About You
- Compassionate, patient, and resilient
- Genuinely committed to supporting children and young people with SEND
- A strong team player with excellent communication skills
- Calm, adaptable, and positive when faced with challenges
- Experienced in education, care, support work, or SEND settings (advantageous but not essential)
Whether you're already working within SEND education or looking to take your first step into a fulfilling specialist support role, this position provides excellent opportunities for professional growth within a welcoming and supportive setting.
Benefits
- Competitive rates of pay
- £100 Refer-a-Friend Bonus Scheme (terms and conditions apply)
- Ongoing guidance from a dedicated education consultant
- Access to long-term and permanent career opportunities
- The chance to make a lasting impact every single day
Leader Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
SEND Support employer: Leader Education
Leader Education is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering children and young people with additional needs in a supportive and nurturing environment. With a strong focus on professional growth, employees benefit from competitive pay, ongoing guidance, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day within a warm community in South Tyneside. Join a passionate team that values collaboration and celebrates the achievements of every learner, ensuring that you feel valued and inspired in your role as a SEND Support Assistant.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Support
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
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 Leader Education, 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 SEND Support
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 Leader Education. 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 Leader Education. 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 Leader Education
✨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 Leader Education.
✨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 SEND Support role at Leader Education, 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 Leader Education that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
