SEN Support Staff

SEN Support Assistant - Derbyshire & Surrounding Areas

Reference: SEN Support

Location: Derbyshire and surrounding areas

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / Supply

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience (£100-£120 per day)

Start Date: ASAP

Contract: Permanent / Fixed-Term / Day-to-Day Supply

About Empowering Learning

Empowering Learning is an education recruitment agency dedicated to connecting talented, passionate education professionals with rewarding opportunities across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas. We work closely with a wide network of schools, from mainstream primary and secondary settings to specialist SEN provisions, to match candidates with roles that suit their skills, experience, and career goals. Our consultants offer honest, personalised support throughout the entire process - from application to placement and beyond.

The Role

We are working on behalf of a welcoming and inclusive school in Derbyshire and the surrounding areas to find a dedicated, patient SEN Support Assistant.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting children and young people with special educational needs to thrive both academically and personally.

You'll join a supportive staff team within a school that values collaborative working, ongoing training, and a nurturing environment for both pupils and staff. The role would suit someone who is calm, resilient, and committed to helping every pupil reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

Pupil Support

Provide tailored one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with a range of special educational needs, including autism, SEMH, speech and language difficulties, and learning disabilities

Support pupils to access the curriculum, adapting activities and resources as needed

Implement strategies set out in EHCPs, IEPs, and individual support plans

Encourage independence, confidence, and positive engagement in learningBehaviour & Wellbeing

Support pupils with emotional regulation, sensory needs, and behaviour management using de-escalation and positive behaviour strategies

Promote a calm, safe, and consistent environment for pupils to learn and develop

Build trusting, positive relationships with pupils to support their wellbeingAssessment & Progress

Monitor and record pupil progress, communicating updates to teachers and the SENCO

Assist with reviewing and contributing to individual support plans and targets

Provide feedback to support planning and intervention strategiesCollaboration & Communication

Work closely with class teachers, the SENCO, and other support staff to ensure consistent support for each pupil

Communicate professionally and sensitively with parents/carers where appropriate

Liaise with external agencies and specialists (e.g., speech and language therapists, educational psychologists) as required

Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and CPD opportunities relevant to SEN supportSafeguarding

Uphold the school's safeguarding policies at all times, promoting the welfare and wellbeing of every pupil

Report any safeguarding concerns promptly through the correct channels

Requirements

Essential

Experience working with children or young people with special educational needs (in a school, care, or similar setting)

A patient, calm, and nurturing approach with strong emotional resilience

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to follow individual support plans and adapt approaches to meet pupil needs

Up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding procedures

Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one

Eligibility to work in the UKDesirable

Relevant qualification (e.g., Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, SEN, or Health and Social Care)

Experience with specific needs such as autism, ADHD, SEMH, or physical disabilities

Training in Team Teach, Makaton, or other behaviour/communication strategies

Experience supporting pupils in a specialist SEN provision or resource base

What We Offer

Competitive, market-leading pay rates

Access to a wide range of SEN and support roles across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas, including short-term, long-term, and permanent placements

Ongoing CPD and training opportunities, including SEN-specific training

Supportive, friendly school environments matched to your preferences and strengths

A dedicated, experienced consultant offering personalised support throughout your job search and placement

Flexible working options, including full-time, part-time, and supply arrangements

Fast, straightforward registration process

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV along with a brief covering statement outlining your suitability for the role. For an informal, confidential discussion about this opportunity - or to find out about other SEN and support roles across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas - please contact:

Dominic Brookes

Empowering Learning

Email : (url removed)

Mobile : (phone number removed)

Empowering Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references. Empowering Learning is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates