Student Support Assistants – SEND & Residential Care

Student Support Assistants – SEND & Residential CareMake a Difference Every Day. Build a Career That Matters.

Location: Sevenoaks, Kent Salary: Approximately £25,780 per annum (full-time equivalent) Temporary Pay: Hourly rate to be confirmed based on the assignment and shift pattern Contract: Temporary to Permanent – 12-week pathway

Hours: Flexible shifts available – mornings, days, afternoons and evenings More Than Just a Job – Be the Difference in a Young Person’s Life!Are you a compassionate, dedicated and enthusiastic individual looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference?

Create Education is recruiting Student Support Assistants to join a fantastic specialist educational setting in Sevenoaks, Kent, supporting children and young people aged 4–19 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to work with students who have physical disabilities, autism, complex medical needs and additional learning difficulties, helping them develop confidence, independence and essential life skills.

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in SEND education, healthcare, personal care, specialist support or residential childcare.

If you're someone who enjoys making a positive impact, celebrates the little victories and thrives in a supportive, people-focused environment, this could be the perfect next step in your career. The Role – Every Day Makes a DifferenceAs a Student Support Assistant, you'll play an important role in ensuring students feel safe, supported, included and empowered to achieve their potential. Your responsibilities will include:

Supporting learning and development: Working alongside teachers and specialist staff to help students engage with classroom activities. Promoting independence: Encouraging students to develop communication, confidence and practical life skills. Providing personal care: Supporting students with their daily care needs while maintaining dignity, sensitivity and respect. Assisting with moving and handling: Supporting students with physical disabilities in accordance with individual care plans and safe working procedures. Supporting complex needs: Working with students who may have autism, physical disabilities, communication difficulties or complex medical requirements. Residential and daily living support: Helping with morning routines, after-school activities and evening residential care where required. Building meaningful relationships: Creating a positive, nurturing and inclusive environment. Working collaboratively: Supporting teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals and residential care teams. Maintaining excellent safeguarding standards: Following all relevant safeguarding, child protection and health and safety procedures.Every student is different, every achievement matters, and every day is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Who Are We Looking For?We're looking for enthusiastic, caring and reliable individuals who are passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in:

SEN Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant roles. Specialist SEND schools and educational provisions. Residential childcare and support work. Healthcare Assistant or complex care roles. Personal care and disability support. Autism support and specialist communication. Children's services or other relevant care settings.Essential Requirements Previous hands-on experience supporting children or young people with SEND, physical disabilities or complex needs. Experience providing personal care or comparable practical care support. A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection. Confidence supporting students with varying physical, emotional and communication needs. The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. A caring, patient and professional approach. The ability to follow individual care plans and safe working procedures. A willingness to complete all required safeguarding and compliance checks.Moving & Handling TrainingPractical Moving & Handling training is an important requirement for this role. We welcome applications from candidates who:

Already hold current, hands-on practical Moving & Handling training. Have previous practical moving and handling experience and are willing to complete an approved practical refresher or assessment before commencing relevant duties.Online-only training is not sufficient. All successful candidates must have completed appropriate practical training and any required competency assessments before undertaking moving and handling responsibilities. Desirable Qualifications & Skills GCSE English and Maths at grades A–C / 4–9 or equivalent. Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare. Makaton or alternative communication training. Experience supporting non-verbal students. Previous experience working in specialist SEND or residential education settings.Flexible Shift OpportunitiesWe understand that flexibility is important, and a range of shifts is available to suit different working patterns. Shift TypeHoursDay Shift08:30–15:30Early Shift07:00–14:30Extended Early Shift07:00–15:30Afternoon/Evening Shift12:30–21:30Late Shift15:30–22:00Friday shift times may vary.

Early shifts may involve supporting students with personal care and morning routines before the school day begins. Afternoon and evening shifts may involve supporting older students within the residential provision.

Candidates who can work flexibly across multiple shift patterns are particularly encouraged to apply.

Salary & Temporary-to-Permanent OpportunitiesIndicative permanent salary: approximately £25,780 per annum (full-time equivalent).

This position is initially offered on a temporary basis, with shifts booked weekly according to the needs of the setting. Temporary workers will be paid an agreed hourly rate, which will be confirmed before accepting an assignment. Actual earnings will depend on the hours and shifts worked.

The opportunity offers a 12-week temporary-to-permanent pathway, with the potential to apply for and secure a permanent position, subject to performance, suitability and the availability of a permanent vacancy. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience within a specialist educational environment while working towards longer-term career stability.

Why Join Create Education?At Create Education, we believe that exceptional support staff deserve exceptional opportunities. When you join us, you can expect:

Meaningful, rewarding work where your contribution makes a genuine difference. Specialist SEND experience in a setting dedicated to supporting children and young people with complex needs. Flexible working opportunities with a range of available shifts. A potential permanent career pathway through an initial 12-week temporary placement. Dedicated recruitment support from an experienced specialist SEN consultant. Opportunities to develop professionally and build your experience within specialist education and care. A supportive, collaborative environment where every member of staff plays an important role.Location – Sevenoaks, KentThe position is based within a specialist educational setting in Sevenoaks. Due to the location and the availability of early morning and evening shifts, candidates must be able to travel reliably to and from the workplace.

Access to your own vehicle or a dependable alternative transport arrangement is strongly recommended, particularly for early and late shifts when public transport may be limited.

Safeguarding & DBS RequirementsCreate Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and compliance checks. An Enhanced DBS check, including the relevant Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List checks where legally applicable to the duties, will be required.

Create Education can support applicants with the necessary DBS application process. Ready to Make a Difference? Apply Today!Are you ready for a role that is more than just a job? Do you want to finish each working day knowing that you've helped a young person feel more confident, independent and supported? We want to hear from you! Whether you're an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant, Healthcare Assistant, Residential Support Worker or Care Professional looking for an exciting new opportunity, this could be the perfect next step.

Apply today or contact Billy Jackson at Create Education to find out more!

Create Education – Supporting People. Creating Opportunities. Changing Lives.

Create Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks. We are an equal opportunities recruitment agency and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds.

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications