SEN Learning Support Assistant

Progress here isn't always measured in grades. Sometimes it's a smile, a new word, or a hand reaching out for yours.

Teaching Personnel is recruiting SEN learning support assistants for a specialist school in Crawley supporting pupils with complex and profound learning needs. All roles are full-time and commence in September 2026. This is a school where small moments carry enormous meaning, and where the support staff who work there are among the most skilled, dedicated and quietly remarkable people in education.

We are looking for candidates who understand that working with pupils with complex needs requires a very particular set of qualities — patience that doesn't run out, creativity that doesn't give up, and a genuine belief that every young person has something to communicate and something to achieve.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting pupils with severe and complex learning needs across all areas of the school day, including learning, personal care, mealtimes, transitions and social time.
• Delivering personalised, sensory-rich support in line with each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and teacher guidance.
• Using alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) approaches including Makaton, objects of reference and high-tech communication devices.
• Assisting with personal care, mobility support and daily living skills with dignity, sensitivity and care.
• Working as part of a richly supported multi-disciplinary team including specialist teachers, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.
• Tracking and evidencing pupil progress using appropriate assessment frameworks for complex needs settings.
• Maintaining accurate records and following safeguarding and confidentiality protocols throughout.

Who we're looking for

• Experience supporting pupils or individuals with severe, complex or profound learning needs in a school, residential or care setting.
• Familiarity with AAC, Makaton or other communication support approaches is highly desirable.
• A compassionate, person-centred approach that treats every pupil with dignity and high expectations.
• Physical and emotional resilience, with a positive, professional and adaptable attitude.
• Personal care experience is an advantage, though full training will be provided for the right candidate.
• Full-time availability from September 2026.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply.

What's in it for you

• From £92.63 per day, paid weekly via PAYE.
• Specialist SEN training tailored to your placement setting through Teaching Personnel's CPD programme.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout, from registration to placement and beyond.
• The opportunity to build deep, lasting expertise in one of the most specialist and rewarding areas of SEN education.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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