SEN Teaching Assistant (Post-16 Pathways) in Whitehaven

Are you passionate about preparing young people with special educational needs for life beyond the classroom? A specialist post-16 provision is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support learners aged 16–19 with Autism, learning differences, and communication needs. The focus here is practical, person-centred, and aspirational—supporting each student to gain independence, build confidence, and prepare for adult life. Full-time and part-time applicants are welcome. This is a long-term position with the potential to become permanent.

This is not your typical classroom assistant role. You’ll be supporting students both in and beyond the classroom, helping them gain skills they’ll use every day—from travel training and shopping lists to work experience and social interaction. Your day-to-day may include:

• Providing 1:1 or small group support for social, emotional, and learning needs
• Helping students develop life and vocational skills such as budgeting, cooking, or using public transport
• Supporting work placements and community-based learning
• Managing and de-escalating behaviour with calm, consistent approaches
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and external agencies to help students meet their goals
• Supporting transition planning for adulthood, including further education and supported living

Whether you’re preparing a student for a job interview, accompanying them on a bus journey, or guiding them through their daily schedule, your support will be instrumental in shaping their future.

We’re looking for someone practical, patient, and deeply committed to helping young people thrive. You may come from education, care, health, or social work—or simply have personal experience and a passion for SEND. You’ll need:

• Experience supporting individuals with Autism, learning disabilities, or additional needs
• An understanding of positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques
• A proactive, flexible attitude and a genuine commitment to inclusion
• Great communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Confidence supporting independence in real-world settings, not just the classroom

This specialist post-16 provision is part of a well-regarded SEND school with a strong focus on holistic development. Students access a highly personalised curriculum designed around life skills, employability, and wellbeing. Staff here work closely together to foster trust, independence, and long-term success for every learner.

Hours and Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 8.30am–3.30pm. Open to both full-time and part-time applicants.

The Benefits:

• Competitive pay
• Term-time only hours with no weekend or shift work
• A meaningful step into or forward in education, social care, or psychology
• Opportunity to progress into a permanent role

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do, and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such, we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education, you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.