SEND Assistant in Ipswich

We are currently seeking SEND Assistants to support our SLD/PMLD group. Many of the children are non-verbal, so experience supporting children with complex communication needs would be advantageous. Personal care will form part of this role. This is a rewarding opportunity to work within a therapeutic, child-centred environment where every child is encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential.

This is a fixed-term contract from 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2027. The role is 40 hours per week, working 08:00–16:30, term time only (39 weeks per year).

Your role and responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of our Therapeutic Curriculum through engaging, adaptive and child-centred practice.
• Work closely with the Therapeutic Teacher to deliver 1:1 and small group sessions, helping children to access learning in a safe, nurturing and trauma-informed environment.
• Support children to develop confidence, communication, emotional regulation and independence, while helping them work towards EHCP outcomes and AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver engaging, child-centred 1:1 and small group sessions under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher, including curriculum delivery.
• Implement EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) outcomes within sessions for each individual child under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher.
• Support pupils to achieve outcomes linked to AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher.
• Promote the development of life skills, social communication, emotional regulation and independence through daily routines, structured activities and therapeutic interactions.
• Encourage pupils to develop confidence, self-help skills, problem-solving abilities and positive peer relationships to support preparation for everyday life and future learning.
• Provide personal care for children as required, maintaining dignity, privacy and respect at all times.
• Set up and tidy therapeutic spaces before and after each session, ensuring a safe, welcoming and calming environment.
• Support children during breakfast and lunch times, encouraging independence, communication and positive social interaction.
• Actively de-escalate challenging behaviour using trauma-informed and restorative approaches, in line with Behaviour Safe in Education training.
• Build consistent, positive relationships with pupils, modelling appropriate behaviour, emotional regulation and clear boundaries.
• Record and report behaviour incidents, wellbeing concerns and safeguarding concerns in line with organisational procedures.
• Undertake additional duties as directed by the Therapeutic Teacher, including preparing resources, printing, creating visuals, laminating, adapting materials and supporting the organisation of the learning environment.
• Attend safeguarding and behaviour briefings, contributing to team debriefs and solution-focused planning.
• Support emotional regulation, resilience and positive relationships through a trauma-informed and attachment-aware approach, recognising emotional triggers and responding with consistent, supportive strategies that promote emotional safety, predictability and trust.

You will need:

• Experience working with children with SEND.
• An understanding of trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches.
• Experience supporting children with communication, emotional regulation and learning needs.
• Confidence supporting children with behaviour that may challenge.
• The ability to build positive, consistent relationships with children and families.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• The ability to adapt learning activities and resources to meet individual needs.
• A calm, nurturing and flexible approach to supporting children.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and responsibilities.
• Experience using visual supports and communication approaches such as PECS, Makaton or Talk Pads is desirable.
• Relevant qualifications or experience within education, SEND or child development are desirable.

Sendsory is a specialist Alternative Provision supporting children aged 4–11 with SEND. Our Therapeutic Curriculum helps children regulate their emotions, develop communication and social skills and build confidence in a nurturing environment. We support children who are awaiting school placement, at risk of or who have experienced permanent exclusion and those who are disengaging from mainstream education.

What we offer:

• A small, supportive team.
• Six training days per year.
• A competitive salary.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children with SEND.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Sendsory is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We welcome applications from men as they are currently under-represented in this role. Sendsory® Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we undertake rigorous safer recruitment checks for all roles. Appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS and barred-list check.