SEND Assistant

Trust Education are currently recruiting for a dedicated and compassionate SEND/SEMH Support Assistant to join a specialist SEND school in Chesterfield. The school supports pupils from Year 4 through to Year 9, many of whom have complex SEND and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people and wants to make a genuine difference to pupils who may require additional patience, understanding and consistency to thrive in an educational environment.

The Role

As a SEND/SEMH Support Assistant, you will work closely with pupils and the wider school team to provide both academic, emotional and behavioural support. You will help pupils access their learning, develop positive relationships and build confidence, resilience and independence.

The role may involve supporting pupils who display challenging or dysregulated behaviours, so the successful candidate will need to remain calm, patient and consistent when faced with difficult situations.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex SEND and SEMH needs.

• Supporting pupils to access and engage with their learning.

• Building positive, trusting relationships and acting as a consistent role model.

• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, social skills and managing their behaviour.

• Using appropriate strategies to de-escalate situations and promote positive behaviour.

• Helping pupils develop confidence, independence and resilience.

• Supporting pupils both within the classroom and across the wider school environment.

• Working closely with teachers, SEND staff and other professionals.

• Following individual education, behaviour and support plans.

• Maintaining a safe, structured and nurturing environment.

• Supporting pupils during transitions, break times and other less structured periods.

• Promoting safeguarding and the wellbeing of all pupils.

The Ideal Candidate

The school is looking for someone who is patient, resilient, empathetic and confident when working with young people with complex needs.

Previous experience within SEND, SEMH, challenging behaviour, residential care, youth work or education would be highly desirable. However, candidates with strong transferable experience and the right attitude will also be considered.

You will need to be able to:

• Remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

• Build strong and trusting relationships with young people.

• Demonstrate patience, empathy and understanding.

• Be consistent and confident when managing behaviour.

• Adapt your approach to meet individual pupils' needs.

• Work effectively as part of a supportive team.

• Have a genuine passion for helping children and young people achieve their potential.

Why Apply?

• Full-time, long-term position

• Specialist SEND school in Chesterfield

• Work with pupils from Year 4 to Year 9

• Opportunity to gain valuable experience working with complex SEND and SEMH needs

• Early finish at 2:30pm every Friday

• Supportive and experienced school team

• A genuinely rewarding role where you can make a difference