SEND Assistant​/Theapuetic Mentor (SEMH Group

Ipswich, Suffolk 40 Hours hours £24,022.32 Starts 01/09/2026 Ends 31/08/2027 Closes 18/08/2026

We are currently seeking SEND Assistants to support our SEMH group.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work within a therapeutic, child-centred environment where every child is encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential.

This is a fixed-term contract from 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2027. The role is 40 hours per week, working 08:00-16:30, term time only (39 weeks per year).

• As a SEND Assistant at Sendsory, you will support the delivery of our Therapeutic Curriculum through engaging, adaptive and child-centred practice. You will work closely with the Therapeutic Teacher to deliver 1:1 and small group sessions, helping children to access learning in a safe, nurturing and trauma-informed environment.
• You will support children to develop confidence, communication, emotional regulation and independence, while helping them work towards EHCP outcomes and AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates.
• deliver engaging, child-centred 1:1 and small group sessions under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher, including delivery of the therapeutic curriculum.
• implement EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) outcomes within sessions for each individual child under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher
• support pupils to achieve outcomes linked to AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher
• deliver structured wellbeing activities, including talk-and-draw and Lego-based therapy sessions, under appropriate training and supervision.
• support community-based learning, accompanying pupils on time out in the community to build confidence, life skills and social communication in real-world settings.
• promote the development of life skills, social communication, emotional regulation and independence through daily routines, structured activities and therapeutic interactions
• encourage pupils to develop confidence, self-help skills, problem-solving abilities and positive peer relationships to support preparation for everyday life and future learning
• provide personal care for children as required, maintaining dignity, privacy and respect at all times
• set up and tidy therapeutic spaces before and after each session, ensuring a safe, welcoming and calming environment
• support children during breakfast and lunch times, encouraging independence, communication and positive social interaction
• actively de-escalate challenging behaviour using trauma-informed and restorative approaches, in line with Behaviour Safe in Education training
• build consistent, positive relationships with pupils, modelling appropriate behaviour, emotional regulation and clear boundaries
• work collaboratively with the Therapeutic Teacher, Head of Wellbeing & Development, Occupational Therapist and wider team to ensure a consistent therapeutic approach across the provision
• record and report behaviour incidents, wellbeing concerns and safeguarding concerns in line with organisational procedures
• undertake additional duties as directed by the Therapeutic Teacher, including preparing resources, printing, creating visuals, laminating, adapting materials and supporting the organisation of the learning environment
• attend safeguarding and behaviour briefings, contributing to team debriefs and solution-focused planning
• support emotional regulation, resilience and positive relationships through a trauma-informed and attachment-aware approach, recognising emotional triggers and responding with consistent, supportive strategies that promote emotional safety, predictability and trust

• experience working with children with SEND
• an understanding of trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches
• experience supporting children with communication, emotional regulation and learning needs
• confidence supporting children with behaviour that may challenge
• the ability to build positive, consistent relationships with children and families
• strong teamwork and communication skills
• the ability to adapt learning activities and resources to meet individual needs
• a calm, nurturing and flexible approach to supporting children
• know…