SEN Learning & Development Support Assistant

Specialist Education Support Assistant

Location: Exeter, Devon
Contract: Full-Time | Term-Time Only

Turn Your Passion for Helping Young People Into a Career

Are you looking for a role where you can make a difference now while developing experience that could shape your future career?

A specialist education setting in Exeter is looking for a motivated and compassionate Specialist Education Support Assistant to join its team.

Working with children and young people who have a range of additional needs, you'll gain practical experience in SEND while learning from experienced teachers and support professionals.

Whether you already have experience in education or are looking to develop a career in SEND, teaching, psychology, pastoral support, behaviour, youth work or care , this is an opportunity to build valuable skills in a rewarding environment.

Your Role

You'll become an important part of the team supporting pupils to engage with education, develop confidence and make progress at their own pace.

Day to day, you will:

• Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and communication needs
• Work with individual pupils and small groups during lessons
• Adapt your support according to different learning styles and individual needs
• Help young people develop confidence, independence and resilience
• Encourage positive communication and social interaction
• Support pupils who may find emotional regulation or behaviour challenging
• Help students re-engage with learning and recognise their own achievements
• Work alongside teachers to deliver individual support strategies
• Contribute to a calm, structured and positive learning environment
• Support pupils throughout the wider school day and during educational activities

Learn, Develop and Progress

This position gives you the opportunity to develop experience that can be difficult to gain without working directly within a specialist education environment.

You'll build your understanding of areas including:

• SEND and inclusive education
• Autism and neurodiversity
• Social, emotional and mental health needs
• Behaviour and emotional regulation
• Safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
• Individual learning strategies
• Communication and relationship building
• Supporting pupils with barriers to education

You'll also work alongside experienced professionals, giving you valuable insight into different careers within specialist education.

For someone considering becoming a teacher, SEN specialist, pastoral practitioner, behaviour mentor, educational psychologist, therapist or youth professional , the experience gained here could provide an excellent foundation.

Who Could Be a Good Fit?

You don't necessarily need to have followed a traditional education career path.

We'd be interested in hearing from people with experience in areas such as:

• Schools or colleges
• SEND or additional needs
• Youth work or mentoring
• Care or support work
• Sports coaching
• Residential settings
• Mental health or wellbeing support
• Community work

We're particularly looking for someone who is patient, dependable and able to build genuine relationships with young people.

You'll also need to:

• Be enthusiastic about learning and developing professionally
• Communicate confidently with pupils and colleagues
• Remain calm and supportive in challenging situations
• Work well within a team
• Be willing to take feedback and develop your skills
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle
• Have an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or be willing to apply for one

What Can This Role Offer You?

Alongside a rewarding full-time position, you'll receive:

• Ongoing training and professional development
• Hands-on specialist education experience
• Support from an experienced team
• Opportunities to develop your SEND knowledge
• Experience that can strengthen applications for future education and psychology-related careers
• Long-term opportunities to build your confidence and responsibilities
• Competitive rates of pay
• Term-time working

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to see the impact your support can have on a young person's confidence, engagement and future.

Ready for Your Next Step?

If you're looking for more than just another support role and want an opportunity where you can learn, develop and build meaningful experience within specialist education , we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV to join a specialist education setting in Exeter and start developing the skills that could take your career further.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and relevant safer recruitment checks.