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SEND Assistant
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SEND Assistant
Job Description
Sendsory
Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP2
Salary: £23,970.98 per annum, Grade 4 Point 10
Hours: 40 hours per week, 8 am – 4.30 pm, term time only
Contract: Fixed Term for 12 months, required to start 1 September 2026
Reference: 0819
About the Role
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.
Key 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 personalized 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 behavior in line with Behaviour in Education expectations and training.
- Build consistent, positive, and trusting relationships with pupils, modelling emotional regulation, clear boundaries, and appropriate behavior.
- Record and report behavior incidents, safeguarding concerns, and wellbeing observations in line with organizational procedures.
- Support the implementation of therapeutic strategies that promote emotional safety, predictability, and relational security.
- Attend safeguarding and behavior 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 organization.
- Support emotional regulation and resilience using an attachment-aware approach, recognizing triggers and responding with consistent, supportive strategies that help children feel safe and understood.
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Requirements
- 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 behavior 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.
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About Sendsory
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.
What We Offer
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.
How To Apply
Please complete your application by visiting our website including 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: 12 pm, 10 July 2026
Interview date: Week commencing 20 July 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.
About The Team
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