At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in a nurturing environment and help them develop essential life skills.
- Company: Join Sendsory, a specialist Alternative Provision dedicated to making a difference for children with SEND.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, six training days per year, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time only, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while gaining valuable experience in education and support.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and strong communication skills are essential; training provided for safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 28598 £ per year.
As a SEND Assistant at Sendsory, you will play a key role in supporting the daily delivery of our Therapeutic Curriculum, working under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher to provide high-quality, child-centred learning experiences for children with complex SEND needs.
You will support the implementation of EHCP outcomes, contribute to AQA Unit Award Scheme evidence and help children develop life skills, communication, emotional regulation and independence through structured routines, therapeutic interaction and consistent relational support.
In this role, you will:
- Deliver engaging, child-centred 1:1 and small group sessions under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher, supporting curriculum delivery.
- Implement EHCP outcomes for individual pupils within sessions, ensuring personalised targets are embedded in daily practice.
- Support pupils to achieve AQA Unit Award Scheme outcomes through structured learning activities and recording of progress.
- Promote life skills development, social communication, emotional regulation and independence through daily routines and guided learning experiences.
- Encourage confidence, self-help skills, problem-solving and positive peer interaction to support preparation for everyday life and future learning.
- Provide personal care for children where required, always maintaining dignity, privacy and respect.
- Prepare, set up and reset therapeutic learning environments, ensuring spaces are safe, calm and ready for use.
- Support children during breakfast and lunch routines, promoting independence, communication and positive social interaction.
- Use trauma-informed and restorative approaches to actively de-escalate behaviour in line with Behaviour in Education expectations and training.
- Build consistent, positive and trusting relationships with pupils, modelling emotional regulation, clear boundaries and appropriate behaviour.
- Record and report behaviour incidents, safeguarding concerns and wellbeing observations in line with organisational procedures.
- Support the implementation of therapeutic strategies that promote emotional safety, predictability and relational security.
- Attend safeguarding and behaviour briefings and contribute to reflective team discussions and solution-focused planning.
- Undertake additional duties as directed by the Therapeutic Teacher, including preparing resources, adapting materials, creating visuals, laminating and supporting classroom organisation.
- Support emotional regulation and resilience using an attachment-aware approach, recognising triggers and responding with consistent, supportive strategies that help children feel safe and understood.
You will need:
- Experience working with children with SEND, SEMH, ASD, ADHD or trauma-related needs.
- A strong understanding of trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches.
- Experience or confidence in supporting learning in 1:1 and small group settings.
- The ability to build positive, consistent relationships with children with complex needs.
- Confidence in supporting behaviour using calm, de-escalation strategies.
- A willingness to support personal care needs where required.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team under direction.
- An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities (training can be provided).
- Flexibility, resilience and a proactive approach to supporting daily provision.
- A commitment to supporting children to develop independence, confidence and emotional regulation.
- QTS is not required for this role; applications are welcome from experienced support staff and those with relevant lived or professional experience.
- Experience using communication tools such as Makaton, PECS or visual supports is desirable.
Sendsory is a specialist Alternative Provision supporting children aged 4–11 with SEND. Our Therapeutic Curriculum supports children to regulate emotions, develop communication and social skills and build confidence in a nurturing, structured environment.
We support children who are awaiting school placement, at risk of or who have experienced permanent exclusion, and those disengaging from mainstream education.
At Sendsory, you’ll join a supportive, child-focused team, receive six training days per year and benefit from a competitive salary while making a meaningful difference to children with SEND.
To find out more about us, please visit our website.
Please complete your application by visiting the vacancies page of our website. Include a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria in the job description. Applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered. Due to safer recruitment procedures, we are unable to accept CVs.
Closing date: 12pm, 12 June 2026
Interview date: Week commencing, 8 June 2026
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.
SEND Assistant in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
At Sendsory, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and child-focused work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of children with complex SEND needs. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our provision of six training days per year, ensuring that you are well-equipped to deliver high-quality, therapeutic learning experiences. Located in Ipswich, Suffolk, we foster a culture of collaboration and respect, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to contribute meaningfully to education and child development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Assistant in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the SEND landscape! Research the specific needs of children with SEND and familiarise yourself with the therapeutic approaches mentioned in the job description. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since building relationships is key in this role, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to connect with children and colleagues. Role-play scenarios or discuss your experiences with friends to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life examples! Reflect on your past experiences working with children, especially those with complex needs. Be ready to share specific stories that highlight your skills in emotional regulation and de-escalation strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Make sure to include a supporting statement that clearly outlines how you meet the criteria in the job description. This is your chance to shine, so take your time and make it personal!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Assistant in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to highlight how your skills and experiences match the role. Be specific about your past work with children with SEND and how you can contribute to our Therapeutic Curriculum.
Be Authentic and Personal:We love to see your personality come through in your application. Share your passion for working with children and any relevant experiences that have shaped your approach. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the only way we can accept applications, and it ensures you’re following our safer recruitment procedures. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know the Therapeutic Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with Sendsory's Therapeutic Curriculum before the interview. Understand how it supports children with complex SEND needs and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their approach.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with children who have SEND, SEMH, ASD, or ADHD. Highlight how you've successfully implemented personalised learning strategies and built positive relationships with pupils.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Be ready to discuss how you communicate effectively with children and colleagues. If you have experience using tools like Makaton or PECS, mention this and explain how it has helped in your previous roles.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Understand the importance of safeguarding in an educational setting. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and how you would ensure a safe environment for the children.
