At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a compassionate community dedicated to empowering young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values every voice and fosters growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable learners every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with SEMH, SEND, or similar needs is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25989 - 27254 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a caring, motivated, and resilient Special Educational Needs Support Assistant (SENSA) to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people with additional needs to access learning, develop confidence, and achieve positive outcomes.
The successful candidate will work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to provide tailored support for students with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, SEND, and other barriers to learning. You will play a key role in helping students engage positively with education and develop socially, emotionally, and academically.
Key Responsibilities- Support students in lessons, interventions, and structured activities
- Provide one-to-one and small group support tailored to individual needs
- Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and engagement in learning
- Help create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment
- Support students with social skills, communication, and independence
- Assist teachers with classroom preparation and learning resources
- Monitor and record student progress, behaviour, and wellbeing
- Work collaboratively with staff, parents/carers, and external professionals
- Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, autism, ADHD, or behavioural needs
- Be patient, empathetic, and resilient
- Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Be able to remain calm and adaptable in challenging situations
- Be committed to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing
- Have a positive and proactive approach to supporting vulnerable learners
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.
Our values - opportunity, integrity, community, and equity - guide everything we do. Our vision is "Opening doors to the world through the power of learning." We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.
Together, let's make the remarkable happen.
We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary. Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued. At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first. Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.
Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future. The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years' service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we're committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:
- Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited.
- Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Access to the Trust's Institute of Education and SCITT.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Actual Salary: £19,898-£20,866
Working hours: 32.5 hours per week, Term Time plus 5 Inset Days (39 weeks total)
Portland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust's commitment to safer recruitment.
Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.
In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an ongoing basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, therefore, we encourage early applications.
SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant) employer: The Shaw Education Trust
At Shaw Education Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming lives through education. Our supportive and inclusive work culture fosters professional growth with access to high-quality training and development opportunities, ensuring that every staff member feels valued and empowered. Located in Stoke-on-Trent, our specialist SEMH school offers a rewarding environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with additional needs, all while enjoying generous benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme, ample holiday entitlement, and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with special educational needs. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting students with SEMH and SEND. Think about real-life examples from your experience that showcase your skills and how you've made a difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for working with children with additional needs shine through. Share why you care about making a positive impact in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our amazing team at Shaw Education Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEMH, SEND, and other relevant needs. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a SENSA, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for supporting young people!
Showcase Your Soft Skills:Being patient, empathetic, and resilient is key in this role. Use your application to share examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in past experiences. We love hearing about your ability to connect with students and create a nurturing environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. Highlight your key achievements and experiences that relate directly to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Shaw Education Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a SENSA and the specific needs of students with SEMH, SEND, autism, and ADHD. Familiarise yourself with the school's values and mission, as this will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated patience and empathy. Talk about how you've supported children with additional needs and how you’ve helped them overcome challenges. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely care.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the support systems in place for staff and students, or how the school fosters a nurturing environment. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect to be asked situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging behaviours. Think of specific scenarios you might face as a SENSA and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
