SEND Support Assistant (Immediate Start) in Ashington

Are you passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to learn, develop and thrive? Ripple Education is a local education recruitment agency working with schools and specialist settings across the North East. We believe in finding the right person, not just a person, for every setting, with the needs of children at the heart of every placement. We’re looking for patient, compassionate and committed SEND Support Assistants, in Ashington and the surrounding areas, who can make a positive difference to children’s learning and development.

Every child is different. We’re looking for people who take the time to understand the individual child, recognise their strengths and provide the consistent, professional support they need to succeed. Whether you already have direct SEND experience or have relevant experience and skills that could transfer into a SEND setting, we’ll take the time to understand your strengths and suitability before matching you with an opportunity.

Why work with Ripple?

• Weekly pay and holiday pay
• Flexible and long-term opportunities
• Access to SEND training and professional development
• A friendly, supportive team who get to know you
• Support from experienced teachers and education professionals
• Placements matched to your skills, experience and availability

What we’re looking for

• Relevant experience working with children or young people
• A patient, calm and compassionate approach
• A genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs
• The ability to build positive and trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries
• The ability to adapt your approach to the individual needs of a child
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• A good understanding of safeguarding
• A willingness to undertake relevant SEND training and professional development
• A relevant Teaching Assistant, Learning Support or childcare qualification would be beneficial.

Previous experience supporting children with SEND is highly valued. We also welcome applications from experienced education and childcare professionals whose existing skills and experience may transfer effectively into a SEND setting.

The role

Depending on the placement and individual needs of the children you support, you may:

• Provide 1:1, small-group or classroom support
• Support children with their learning, communication and development
• Help pupils develop independence, confidence and social skills
• Adapt activities and resources to meet individual needs
• Support children with emotional regulation and engagement
• Work alongside teachers, SENCOs and other education professionals
• Provide personal and intimate care where required
• Help create a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment
• Follow individual school and Ripple Education safeguarding procedures at all times

Safer Recruitment Requirements

We take our responsibility to safeguard children extremely seriously. All applicants must fully engage with Ripple Education’s rigorous and robust safer recruitment process before they can be considered for work. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS and relevant barred list checks
• Full employment and education history, including explanations for any gaps
• Suitable professional references
• Right to Work and identity checks
• Qualification checks, where applicable
• Safeguarding and suitability declarations

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please note, Ripple Education is unable to offer visa sponsorship. Our recruitment process is intentionally thorough because the safety and welfare of children will always come first.

Ready to join Ripple? Apply today with your CV, or complete our application form directly: https://hub.rocket-recruitment.co.uk/ripple-education. As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, a full application form must be completed before interview.

Ripple Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Join our team and help children with additional needs feel supported, included and able to achieve their potential.