Cognition and Learning Practitioner

• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP2
• Salary: £28,862.58 per annum
• Hours: 40 hours per week, 8am – 4.30 pm, term time only
• Contract: Fixed Term for 12 months, required to start 1 September 2026
• Reference: 0820

About the Role

As a Cognition and Learning Practitioner at Sendsory, you will play a key role in delivering 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 use your specialist knowledge of Cognition and Learning to support children who experience barriers to learning, helping them develop communication, independence, confidence and essential life skills through structured, therapeutic and personalised approaches.

You will support the implementation of EHCP outcomes, contribute to AQA Unit Award Scheme evidence and provide guidance to colleagues to promote consistent, high-quality provision across the setting.

Responsibilities

• 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
• apply your Cognition and Learning specialist knowledge in daily practice, supporting children with processing, memory, organisation and learning difficulties through personalised teaching approaches
• adapt learning activities using structured teaching, visual supports, repetition, scaffolding and practical resources to ensure learning is accessible and meaningful
• monitor children's progress closely and adapt strategies to meet individual learning needs and rates of development
• model effective Cognition and Learning strategies for colleagues, sharing resources, ideas and approaches that support inclusive practice across the provision
• contribute to the continuous development of high-quality SEND practice by supporting colleagues to differentiate learning and remove barriers to participation.