At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special educational needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on empowering young people with additional needs.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of students' journeys to independence and emotional growth.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths; experience with SEND is a plus.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for training and development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated School Support Worker. In this role you will provide individual and group support to children or young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping them to access learning, develop independence, and thrive emotionally, socially, and academically within a safe and supportive school environment. This includes Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) which can include challenging behaviours. The age range is nursery to college age.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Learning: Assist teachers in delivering tailored lessons and activities that meet individual learning needs.
- Personal Care: Support students with personal care tasks (e.g., hygiene, feeding, mobility) where required.
- Emotional & Behavioural Support: Help manage challenging behaviours using positive strategies and encourage social and emotional development.
- Communication Assistance: Use communication aids, sign language, or visual supports to help students express themselves and engage in learning.
- Individualised Support Plans: Implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Behaviour Support Plans as directed by the SENCo or teaching staff.
- Safety & Wellbeing: Supervise students during class, playtime, and transitions, ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times.
- Collaboration: Work closely with teachers, therapists, parents, and other professionals to create a consistent and supportive environment.
Skills & Qualities
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage challenging situations.
- Flexibility and adaptability to meet individual student needs.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
Qualifications & Experience
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths are usually required.
- Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities is highly desirable.
- A Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant or Health & Social Care qualification is often preferred.
- Training in autism awareness, Team-Teach, Makaton, or other SEND-specific approaches is advantageous.
Working Conditions
- Based in a special school or resource unit.
- Typical hours follow the school day, with some additional time for meetings or training.
- Work may involve physical support, manual handling, and managing emotional or behavioural challenges.
School Support Worker employer: senploy
Contact Detail:
senploy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a School Support Worker role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or an informal chat, be ready to discuss your experience with SEND and how you've supported children in the past. Real-life examples can make a huge impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a school or organisation you’d love to work for, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly, express your interest, and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you nail that interview. Plus, applying directly means you’ll be first in line for the roles that match your passion for supporting children with additional needs.
We think you need these skills to ace School Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with special educational needs shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or individuals with disabilities. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of a School Support Worker.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at senploy
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEND, especially PMLD and SEMH. Brush up on relevant strategies and tools like IEPs and communication aids, so you can confidently discuss how you would support students in these areas.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, share personal experiences or examples that highlight your patience and empathy. This role is all about connecting with children, so demonstrating your genuine interest in their wellbeing will set you apart.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your teamwork skills by discussing past collaborations with teachers, parents, or other professionals. Highlight how you’ve contributed to creating a supportive environment, as this role requires close cooperation with various stakeholders.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenging behaviours or stressful situations. Share specific techniques you've used to remain calm and effective, showing that you can manage the emotional demands of the job.