SEN & Behaviour Support Assistant

SEN & Behaviour Support Assistant-

Location: Havering, Romford, East London
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-Time, Term-Time

We are seeking a compassionate, patient and dedicated SEN & Behaviour Support Assistant to join a specialist special educational needs school in Havering, supporting children and young people with complex learning difficulties, autism, communication needs and associated physical or sensory needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about special education and committed to helping pupils develop their communication, confidence, independence and everyday life skills. The successful candidate will work within a supportive, structured and nurturing learning environment, providing personalised assistance to pupils with a wide range of individual needs.

The role will involve working closely with class teachers, specialist support staff and other professionals to deliver an engaging, multisensory and personalised learning experience. You will play an important part in helping pupils access their individual learning programmes, participate in classroom activities, communicate their needs and make progress towards their developmental goals.

Candidates with experience in SEN schools, special education, complex needs, autism support, personal care or positive behaviour support are encouraged to apply.

The Role

• Classroom and individual support: Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with complex special educational needs, helping them participate in classroom activities and access a curriculum adapted to their individual abilities and developmental stages.
• Supporting complex needs: Assist pupils with autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), severe learning difficulties and associated communication, sensory or physical needs.
• Personalised learning: Work alongside the class teacher to implement individual learning plans, support personalised targets and deliver activities designed to develop each pupil''s communication, cognition, engagement and independence.
• Multisensory learning: Support practical, creative and sensory-based activities that encourage pupils to explore their environment, develop their senses, respond to new experiences and engage with learning in meaningful ways.
• Communication and interaction: Help pupils express their needs, preferences and choices using appropriate communication methods, which may include visual supports, objects of reference, gestures, signs or alternative communication systems.
• Behaviour and emotional support: Promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing and engagement by following individual support strategies, maintaining predictable routines and responding calmly and consistently to pupils'' needs.
• Personal care and physical support: Assist with personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, feeding and mobility where required, following individual care plans, school procedures and safeguarding requirements while maintaining pupils'' dignity and privacy.
• Independence and life skills: Encourage pupils to develop practical everyday skills, make choices, participate in familiar routines and take increasing responsibility for tasks appropriate to their abilities.
• Social development: Support pupils in developing positive relationships with staff and peers, participating in shared activities and building confidence in social situations.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, therapists and other professionals to provide consistent support and contribute to a positive, inclusive school environment.
• Safeguarding and wellbeing: Maintain a safe and supportive learning environment, follow safeguarding policies and ensure pupils are treated with dignity, respect and understanding at all times.

What We''re Looking For

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs, ideally within a specialist SEN school, special education classroom or similar setting.
• Experience supporting pupils with autism, complex learning difficulties, PMLD, communication difficulties or physical and sensory needs would be advantageous.
• A patient, empathetic and resilient approach, with the ability to remain calm and reassuring when pupils become distressed, frustrated or overwhelmed.
• An understanding of positive behaviour support and the importance of consistent routines, clear expectations and individualised approaches.
• Confidence supporting sensory activities, practical learning tasks and personalised educational programmes.
• An understanding of alternative communication methods and the importance of helping pupils express their needs, preferences and choices.
• Willingness to assist with personal care, feeding, toileting and mobility support where required.
• Strong observation and communication skills, with the ability to share relevant information about pupils'' progress and wellbeing.
• A genuine commitment to promoting inclusion, independence, dignity and positive outcomes for pupils with complex needs.
• A flexible and proactive attitude, with a willingness to undertake training and develop specialist SEN skills.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one.

What''s on Offer

• The opportunity to work within a specialist SEN school supporting pupils with a diverse range of complex needs.
• A rewarding position where you can make a meaningful difference to pupils'' learning, communication, confidence and quality of life.
• Experience working with personalised learning pathways and multisensory teaching approaches.
• Opportunities to develop practical skills in autism support, communication strategies, sensory learning and positive behaviour approaches.
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and specialist professionals.
• Ongoing training and professional development to strengthen your knowledge and confidence in special education.
• The chance to develop valuable experience in complex needs education, personal care and individualised pupil support.
• Potential for long-term opportunities and career progression within the SEN sector.