At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Principal Education, dedicated to inclusive education in South East London.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for higher rates, and valuable SEN experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, emotional resilience, and a proactive approach required.
- Other info: Full-time roles with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 31200 £ per year.
Principal Education is seeking compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to work in specialist SEN settings across South East London. These roles are ideal for individuals committed to supporting children and young people with complex additional needs, helping them access education in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.
The Role
As an SEN LSA, you will support pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and a range of additional needs, which may include:
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- ADHD
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD/SLD)
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)
- Challenging behaviour linked to underlying needs
You will work either 1:1 or with small groups, implementing personalised support strategies, behaviour plans, and sensory approaches tailored to each child. Working closely with class teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and pastoral teams, you will help create a consistent, structured, and inclusive learning environment. These positions are typically full-time (Monday-Friday) and require reliability, emotional resilience, and a proactive approach.
What you MUST demonstrate
- Right to work in the UK
- Proven experience supporting children or young people with SEN, complex needs, or behavioural challenges
- Understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, or positive behaviour support
- Patience, empathy, emotional regulation, and professional boundaries
- Ability to de-escalate challenging situations calmly and effectively
- Flexibility and adaptability within dynamic school environments
- Recent enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one)
- Overseas police clearance (if lived abroad for 6+ months within the last 5 years)
- Based in London or within a commutable distance
- Experience in specialist schools, alternative provisions, PRUs, or care settings is highly desirable
Pay and Benefits
- £100-£125 per day
- Potential for higher rates in long-term or ongoing placements (aligned with school pay scales)
- Opportunity to develop specialist SEN experience
- The chance to make a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of children with additional needs
Apply Now
To discuss this opportunity or your suitability, please contact Rob Michael at or call (phone number removed). Submitting an updated CV with your expression of interest will strengthen your application.
Specialised SEN Support Assistants Required For Schools In Croydon, La employer: Principal Education
Contact Detail:
Principal Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialised SEN Support Assistants Required For Schools In Croydon, La
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role, so you can showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in SEN settings.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialised SEN Support Assistants Required For Schools In Croydon, La
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with SEN shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience with SEN and any specific needs mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Principal Education
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) and the specific challenges that come with them. Familiarise yourself with terms like EHCP, ASC, and SEMH, as well as strategies for supporting children with these needs. This will show your potential employer that you're not just passionate but also informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported children with complex needs. Whether it’s a time you de-escalated a challenging situation or implemented a personalised support strategy, having concrete stories will help illustrate your skills and dedication.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
In this role, emotional resilience is key. Prepare to discuss how you handle stress and maintain professionalism in tough situations. You might want to think of a scenario where you had to stay calm under pressure and how that positively impacted the child or group you were working with.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to SEN, how they support their staff, or what a typical day looks like for an LSA. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.