At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one mentoring and support for young people with additional needs.
- Company: Join SENse Learning, a community dedicated to transforming education for SEND learners.
- Benefits: Earn £18-£23 per hour with flexible working hours and meaningful impact.
- Other info: Ongoing hiring with interviews scheduled as applications are received.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing essential life skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people with complex needs is essential.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 23 £ per hour.
You can make a difference, support creatively, and work within a more fulfilling and rewarding career – SENse Learning is offering a unique opportunity for passionate mentors to make a real impact! You can begin to work in an impact-first role with SENse Learning. Our Education Assistant roles allow you to provide one-to-one mentoring and learning support for the most in-need young people, working across a variety of specialisms as an Education Mentor, SEN Teaching Assistant, and Learning Support Mentor. Multiple positions are available, hiring is ongoing, and interviews are being arranged as applications are received.
What Makes This Education Assistant Role Right For You
You can make the difference, every day. Our Education Assistants focus on more than just academics; they deliver 1.1 sessions of learning in the young person’s home and support them to access the community. Using our own curriculum, based on the four areas of the EHCP, we deliver holistic support to enable young people to thrive. Mentoring is not limited to academic subjects; it is about building confidence, encouraging emotional regulation, and supporting the development of key life skills alongside education.
The Benefits We Offer Our Education Assistant
- Competitive pay: £18 – £23 per hour
- Flexible working: Craft your own schedule with in-person, hybrid, and community-based support opportunities, agreeing session times with parents, carers, or schools
- Flexible hours: Flexible part-time up to full-time hours, arranged in consultation with clients and schools to suit your schedule
- Meaningful work: Support young people who are often excluded or disengaged from traditional education
- Pastoral and Pathways Support: SENse Learning keeps a team around you and the child
- Community and Company Events: Knowledge sharing and resources
- Referral Programme: Get rewarded for successful tutor referrals
At SENse Learning, you will join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to forward-thinking approaches to supporting SEND Learners; be part of a team that believes in shaping a brighter future for every student.
Education Assistant Role Requirements
- Experience: At least 2 years of experience working with children or young people with complex additional needs (e.g. ASC, ADHD, SEMH, EBSA, trauma, PDA, mental health)
- Background: Ideal for Support Workers, Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), Teaching Assistants (TAs), Higher-Level TAs, Youth Workers, Personal Assistants (PAs), or those with other relevant care or education backgrounds
- Approach: Understanding of how to work in a child-centred, holistic way; you will have the ingenuity and creativity to make the curriculum work in an individual, student-centred way
- Compliance: Enhanced DBS (we can facilitate this if needed) and 2+ professional references
- Location: You must be based in the UK with the right to work in the UK, even for remote / online jobs
- Safeguarding: Knowledge of safeguarding and creating a safe learning environment
The Education Assistant Role And Responsibilities
- Develop strong, positive relationships with children and young people who may have faced significant challenges in previous education settings
- Provide one-to-one support in homes and community settings, delivering creative and interest-based activities
- Support the development of life skills, confidence, and independence
- Use trauma-informed approaches and flexible strategies to support a wide range of additional needs
- Understand the importance of emotional regulation and implement strategies to model and encourage this
- Provide feedback and reflections to track progress and adapt support where needed
At SENse Learning, we are on a mission to raise the standard of education for young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), as well as those with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs. We are increasingly supporting children and young people with MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties), SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties), and PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties). We passionately believe in the transformative power of education, and through bespoke, one-to-one lessons, our dedicated team makes a positive impact on students’ lives every day. Join us and be part of our mission!
Applying
Apply in less than 5 minutes via our mobile and browser optimised application form. Interviews are being scheduled on a rolling basis – apply now and start making a difference! We welcome mentors from all backgrounds – our learners come from diverse communities and our organisation must reflect and represent their experiences.
We take Safer Recruitment seriously. All candidates must pass through our safer recruitment process to ensure their suitability to work with children and young people.
Education Assistant Employment Status
This position involves engaging with us as a self-employed mentor. We provide guidance / signposting on accessing resources to register as self-employed if you are not registered already. This is not a PAYE position.
Relevant Job Titles / Previous Experience
Individuals with highly relevant experience from teaching background often have worked in the following roles:
- SENDCo (Special Education Needs Coordinator)
- SLD / MLD Teacher
- Autism / ADHD Support Teacher
- Intervention Specialist / Teacher / Tutor
- Ex-Teacher
Other highly relevant roles from therapeutic and learning support background include:
- Learning Support Assistant (LSA) / Teaching Assistant (TA)
- Educational Therapist
- Speech and Language Therapist (SALT)
- Educational Psychologist (EP)
- Inclusion Coordinator
If you hold one of these roles, meet our requirements, and are considering a career change, please do consider applying with us. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every applicant. We aim to respond to all successful applicants within two weeks.
Education Assistant — Thatcham employer: SENse Learning
SENse Learning is an exceptional employer, offering Education Assistants the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with special educational needs. With competitive pay, flexible working hours, and a supportive community, you will thrive in a culture that values creativity and holistic approaches to education. Join us in shaping a brighter future while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in a rewarding role based in Thatcham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Assistant — Thatcham
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND learners. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion during interviews! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in young people's lives. This is your chance to shine and show why you're the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. At StudySmarter, we believe in making a real impact, so look for roles where you can truly contribute to the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in supporting young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Assistant — Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your unique experiences can contribute to our mission at SENse Learning.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience with children or young people with complex needs. Show us how your background aligns with the role of Education Assistant!
Show Your Passion:We’re looking for mentors who are genuinely passionate about making a difference. Use your application to express why you care about supporting young people and how you plan to make an impact in their lives.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply via our website! It’s quick and easy, and we’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Get your application in so you can start making a difference sooner rather than later!
How to prepare for a job interview at SENse Learning
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, think about how you can make a difference in the lives of young people. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've supported children or young adults, especially those with complex needs. This will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Curriculum
Get to know SENse Learning's curriculum and the four areas of the EHCP. Being able to discuss how you would implement this in your mentoring sessions will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to adapt your approach to meet individual needs.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Think of creative activities or strategies you could use to engage students during one-to-one sessions. Whether it's using art, games, or real-life scenarios, having a few ideas up your sleeve will highlight your innovative approach to learning support.
✨Emphasise Emotional Regulation
Be prepared to discuss how you would support emotional regulation in your students. Share techniques or methods you've used in the past to help young people manage their emotions, as this is a key aspect of the role and shows your holistic understanding of education.
