SEND Learning Support Assistant in Colchester

Location: Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, Essex, RM18 8SB

Position Type: Part‑time Contract – Fixed term (6 January 2026 – 31 August 2026)

Hours: 28 hours and 45 minutes per week (8:40 am – 3:10 pm, 30‑minute unpaid lunch break, 15‑minute unpaid break). 37 weeks of the year – term time only.

Salary: Thurrock Band B (Point 7‑12) – £17,331.87 – £18,773.04 per annum.

Application Close: 27 November 2025

Interviews: Friday 5 December 2025.

About the Role

We are seeking an individual with experience or a genuine interest in supporting children with special educational needs, such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, or speech and language difficulties. The successful candidate will help improve learning and educational outcomes for pupils while supporting the classroom environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand the subjects they support and apply rules fairly and consistently.
• Demonstrate resilience and excellent de‑escalation skills.
• Build nurturing, supportive relationships with pupils.
• Take a practical, hands‑on approach to assisting teaching and learning.
• Confidently manage physical demands, dysregulation, and undertake relevant training as required.
• Support pupils to remain engaged in learning activities.
• Promote inclusion and acceptance of all students within the classroom environment.
• Act as a positive role model, setting high standards of conduct and encouraging positive behaviour.
• Provide feedback to the classroom teacher on pupil progress, lesson engagement, and maintain accurate pupil‑related records.
• Respond to immediate issues or emergencies in line with school policies on health and safety, welfare, wellbeing, and safeguarding.
• Offer additional support to teachers during lessons.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with pupils in the classes being covered.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Good standard of English and Mathematics (GCSE or equivalent).
• Basic computer skills.
• Relevant NVQ qualifications or equivalent (preferred).
• Previous experience in a similar role (desirable).

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience or strong interest in supporting pupils with diverse needs (autism, ADHD, speech/language difficulties).
• Good standard of English and Mathematics (GCSE grades 4‑9 or equivalent).
• Prior experience working with children who exhibit challenging behaviour.
• Ability to apply effective strategies that engage pupils with significant and specific needs.
• Flexibility and adaptability in managing timetables and daily routines.
• Confidence in liaising with parents and relevant staff members.
• Willingness and ability to assist with personal care when required.

Benefits

• Recognition of continuous service.
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Career progression throughout the Trust, with opportunities to progress in other schools.
• Support of an experienced family of schools.
• National Conditions of Service.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme.
• Excellent behaviour management policy to support all staff.
• Wider support network for all staff, including workload and work‑life balance.

Contact

Abbie Stonehouse
East Tilbury Primary School
Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury
Essex, RM18 8SB
Telephone: 01375 846181
Email: hr@osborne.coop

Equality and Safeguarding

East Tilbury Primary School is an equal opportunities employer. The Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applications must be made through our formal application form – CVs will not be accepted. The appointment is subject to pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and satisfactory references. To be considered for this post, application forms are available via the trust website: Vacancies – Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust.