At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a compassionate community dedicated to empowering young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values every voice and fosters growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with SEMH, SEND, or similar needs is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25989 - 27254 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a caring, motivated, and resilient Special Educational Needs Support Assistant (SENSA) to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people with additional needs to access learning, develop confidence, and achieve positive outcomes.
The successful candidate will work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to provide tailored support for students with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, SEND, and other barriers to learning. You will play a key role in helping students engage positively with education and develop socially, emotionally, and academically.
Key Responsibilities- Support students in lessons, interventions, and structured activities
- Provide one-to-one and small group support tailored to individual needs
- Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and engagement in learning
- Help create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment
- Support students with social skills, communication, and independence
- Assist teachers with classroom preparation and learning resources
- Monitor and record student progress, behaviour, and wellbeing
- Work collaboratively with staff, parents/carers, and external professionals
- Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, autism, ADHD, or behavioural needs
- Be patient, empathetic, and resilient
- Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Be able to remain calm and adaptable in challenging situations
- Be committed to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing
- Have a positive and proactive approach to supporting vulnerable learners
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.
Our values - opportunity, integrity, community, and equity - guide everything we do. Our vision is "Opening doors to the world through the power of learning." We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.
Together, let's make the remarkable happen. We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary. Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.
At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first. Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.
Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future. The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years' service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we're committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:
- Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust's Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Actual Salary: £19,898-£20,866
Working hours: 32.5 hours per week, Term Time plus 5 Inset Days (39 weeks total)
Safeguarding Statement: Portland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust's commitment to safer recruitment. This role involves working with children and young people and therefore carries specific safeguarding responsibilities.
SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant) employer: Portlandschool
At Shaw Education Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming lives through education. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities tailored to empower our staff. Located in Stoke-on-Trent, our specialist SEMH school provides a nurturing environment where every team member is valued, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with additional needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant)
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Portlandschool, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Portlandschool. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Portlandschool's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Portlandschool. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Portlandschool.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portlandschool
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Portlandschool.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant) at Portlandschool.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Portlandschool that you're ready to hit the ground running in the SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant) role.
