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Sensory Integration Practitioner
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- Address: Ipswich, Suffolk
- Salary: £28,924.56 per annum
- Hours: Full time, 8.00 am - 4.30 pm, Term time only
- Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 31 August 2027
- Reference: 0929
About the Role
Sendsory is looking for a warm, compassionate and enthusiastic Sensory Integration Practitioner to join our specialist SLD provision and support the delivery of a child-centred, therapeutic curriculum.
This is a hands-on role for someone who is passionate about supporting children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and has a particular interest or specialism in sensory integration, physical development and therapeutic approaches to learning.
As a Sensory Integration Practitioner, you will work closely with the Therapeutic Teacher, Occupational Therapist and wider multidisciplinary team to support children to develop their sensory processing, physical skills, communication, emotional regulation, independence and confidence.
You will deliver engaging 1:1 and small-group activities, implement individual EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) and Occupational Therapy (OT) targets under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher and Occupational Therapist, and provide consistent sensory and physical support throughout the school day.
A key part of the role will be planning and delivering sensory-rich experiences, including messy and exploratory play, which encourage children to explore different textures, materials and sensory inputs in a safe, engaging and purposeful way.
You will also contribute to the development of consistent sensory strategies across the provision by sharing observations with colleagues, modelling appropriate approaches and helping to create environments where children feel regulated, comfortable and ready to learn.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Deliver engaging, child-centred 1:1 and small-group learning and therapeutic sessions, tailored to individual sensory, physical and developmental needs.
- Support pupils to achieve EHCP outcomes and AQA Unit Award Scheme targets under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher.
- Implement Occupational Therapy (OT) strategies and targets, embedding sensory and therapeutic approaches into daily learning and routines.
- Use specialist knowledge of Sensory Integration and sensory processing to support regulation, engagement, communication and development.
- Plan and lead sensory-rich, messy play and physical activities, adapting them to individual needs and therapeutic or learning outcomes.
- Support children to develop life skills, independence, emotional regulation, social communication and positive relationships.
- Provide personal care and support during mealtimes where required, promoting dignity, independence and social interaction.
- Build positive, trusting relationships using trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches, including effective de-escalation of challenging behaviour.
- Prepare and maintain safe, welcoming and sensory-friendly learning and therapeutic environments, including resources and equipment.
- Maintain accurate records and observations, reporting progress, sensory/physical needs, wellbeing, behaviour and safeguarding concerns appropriately.
- Work collaboratively with the Therapeutic Teacher, Occupational Therapist and wider team, sharing observations and modelling effective sensory strategies.
- Contribute to team briefings, reflective practice and the wider organisation of learning and therapeutic provision.
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About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working with children with SEND, ideally with primary-aged children with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) or complex needs.
- Has a strong interest in sensory integration, sensory processing, physical development or therapeutic approaches to supporting children.
- Has experience supporting children with sensory processing differences and understands how sensory needs can affect emotional regulation, communication, behaviour and engagement in learning.
- Is passionate about supporting children and young people through a nurturing, therapeutic and child-centred approach.
- Is calm, patient, compassionate and emotionally attuned, with the ability to respond effectively to children who may be dysregulated or displaying challenging behaviour.
- Is confident using trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches to build trusting relationships and emotional safety.
- Has experience delivering or supporting sensory activities, physical activities, messy play or other hands-on therapeutic experiences.
- Has the ability to implement OT targets and therapeutic recommendations consistently and appropriately within daily practice.
- Is confident observing children's sensory and physical responses and communicating relevant observations to the Occupational Therapist, Therapeutic Teacher and wider team.
- Is creative and adaptable, with the ability to develop engaging sensory and messy play activities that are accessible to children with diverse needs.
- Is organised and able to maintain accurate pupil, observation and therapeutic records.
- Is a confident communicator who can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Is willing to learn, develop their practice and contribute to a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.
- Is able to support colleagues by modelling sensory strategies and contributing to consistent approaches across the provision.
- Has relevant qualifications or training in sensory integration, occupational therapy support, physical development, SEND or a related area (desirable, but not essential).
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
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About Sendsory
Sendsory is a specialist Alternative Provision supporting children aged 4 - 11 years old 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 You
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children with SEND.
- The opportunity to work within a specialist therapeutic SLD provision.
- A supportive multidisciplinary team including a Therapeutic Teacher, Occupational Therapist, Music Therapist and wider SEND and therapeutic practitioners.
- Opportunities to develop your knowledge and practice in sensory integration, trauma-informed and attachment-aware education.
- Regular supervision, reflective practice and professional development.
- The opportunity to work closely with an Occupational Therapist and contribute to the implementation of individual therapeutic targets.
- A varied and rewarding role where you can use creativity, sensory experiences and therapeutic approaches to directly support children's wellbeing, development and learning.
- The opportunity to develop your career within specialist SEND and therapeutic education.
If you are a passionate, compassionate and creative practitioner who wants to make a meaningful difference to children with SEND and is excited by the opportunity to use sensory, physical and therapeutic approaches to support children's development, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please complete your application by visiting the vacancies page of our website [https://www.sendsory.com/jobs/697a4580-d59a-4d70-8775-1893a3fccda8].
This application process will include the need for a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria in the job description. Applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
Closing Date: 1.00 pm, 25 September 2026.
Interview Date: 28 September 2026.
Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
Due to our safer recruitment procedures, we are unable to accept CVs. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Includa Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and apprentices to share this commitment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
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