SEN Learning Support Assistant

An inclusive and forward-thinking mainstream secondary school in Portsmouth is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Educational Needs Learning Support Assistant to join its supportive and dynamic team. This role focuses on working with students with additional needs who are educated within mainstream classes, ensuring they are fully included and able to access learning alongside their peers.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people by supporting students with a range of needs, including autism, ADHD and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. You will play a vital role in helping students develop confidence, independence and resilience, both academically and socially.

As an SEN Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with class teachers and the SENCo to implement personalised support strategies and adapt learning activities to meet individual needs. You will provide targeted one-to-one and small-group support within mainstream classrooms, as well as during intervention sessions, helping students to engage positively with learning and the wider school community. Creating a calm, inclusive and nurturing environment will be central to your work, enabling students to feel safe, supported and motivated to succeed.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with children or young people, particularly those with special educational needs, although school-based experience is not essential. You will demonstrate patience, empathy and a proactive approach to supporting learning, and will be confident in building positive, trusting relationships with both students and staff. A valid DBS certificate on the Update Service is required, or a willingness to apply for one.

In return, Teaching Personnel offers ongoing support from a dedicated consultant, access to free professional development and training opportunities including SEN and behaviour management, competitive weekly pay through PAYE with no umbrella fees, and flexible working options to suit your commitments. There are also opportunities for long-term placements and permanent roles within supportive mainstream school environments.

Apply today to become part of a caring and ambitious school community where inclusion is central and every student is supported to achieve their full potential.

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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