SEN Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Basildon

We are currently recruiting for a dedicated, compassionate, and resilient SEN Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join a highly supportive school setting in Basildon. This is a genuinely rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about transforming the educational experience and emotional wellbeing of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The role involves supporting pupils both on a 1:1 basis and within small group settings, helping children feel safe, understood, and confident within the school environment. You will work closely with pupils who may present with ASD, ADHD, SEMH needs, speech and language difficulties, sensory needs, or behavioural challenges, providing the consistency, patience, and structure they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

For many children, having a trusted adult who can provide calm guidance, routine, encouragement, and positive reinforcement can make a life-changing difference. This role is ideal for someone who finds genuine fulfilment in building meaningful relationships, celebrating small wins, and helping children overcome barriers to learning every single day.

Role Details

Location: Basildon
Position: SEN Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Start Date: September 2026 (with potential for an earlier start)
Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Days: Monday to Friday
Pay: £90 – £110 per day (depending on experience and suitability)
Contract: Long-term with potential to become permanent

While part-time applications may be considered, continuity and consistency are extremely important for the children being supported. Therefore, candidates available 5 days per week will be highly desirable.

The Role

As an SEN LSA, you will play a vital role in helping pupils regulate emotions, engage positively with learning, and develop social confidence. Working closely alongside teachers, the SENCO, therapists, and pastoral teams, you will help deliver tailored support strategies that meet each child’s individual needs.

You will provide structured 1:1 support in line with EHCP targets, behaviour support plans, and individual care plans, ensuring children receive consistent approaches, routines, and expectations throughout the school day. Building trust and creating predictable, nurturing support is key to helping pupils feel secure and successful within education.

The role may also involve supporting children who require emotional regulation strategies, sensory breaks, behaviour intervention, or additional reassurance during transitions and challenging moments.

Behaviour Support & Training

The school is committed to ensuring staff feel fully supported and equipped within their role. Online behaviour management and SEND-focused training can be provided, helping staff develop strategies around:

• Positive behaviour support
• De-escalation techniques
• Emotional regulation approaches
• Trauma-informed practice
• Autism awareness
• ADHD support strategies
• Building consistent routines and boundaries

This additional training allows staff to grow in confidence while ensuring pupils receive high-quality, informed support throughout the school day.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with SEND on both a 1:1 basis and within small groups
• Follow EHCPs, behaviour support plans, and individual care plans to provide structured and consistent support
• Build positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, valued, and understood
• Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, SENCOs, therapists, and pastoral teams
• Adapt learning activities and communication styles to suit individual pupil needs
• Encourage independence, confidence, engagement, and social development
• Help create a calm, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment
• Monitor pupil progress and communicate observations appropriately with staff

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Previous experience working with children with SEND in education, care, youth work, or support settings
• A calm, patient, and resilient approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• The ability to provide structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement
• A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs
• Confidence in building strong professional relationships with pupils and staff
• Flexibility, empathy, and a proactive attitude

Safeguarding Requirements

An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. Candidates who already hold a DBS on the Update Service are encouraged to apply, although applicants willing to apply for a new DBS will also be considered.

Why Apply?

This is far more than a classroom support role — it is an opportunity to have a lasting and meaningful impact on a child’s confidence, wellbeing, and future. Every day brings the chance to support pupils through challenges, celebrate progress, and help children achieve things they may never have believed possible.

Whether you are an experienced SEN LSA or looking to further develop your career within SEND education, this role offers the opportunity to be part of a supportive school community where your contribution truly matters.

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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