SENSA; Special Education Support Assistant

Position: SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant)
* SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant)
NEWFast Apply# SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant)
Employer

Location:

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Contract Type:
Permanent

Hours:

Part Time Salary:
Grade 5 £ 25,989-£27,254 FTE Pay Award Pending Posted: 2nd July 2026

Start Date:

1st September 2026

Expires: 13th July 2026 09:00 AM Contract Type:
Permanent

Start Date:

1st September 2026

Job  Date: 1st September 2026
* Contract Type:

Permanent
* Job
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We are seeking to appoint a caring, motivated, and resilient Special Educational Needs Support Assistant (SENSA) to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people with additional needs to access learning, develop confidence, and achieve positive outcomes.

The successful candidate will work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to provide tailored support for students with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, SEND, and other barriers to learning. You will play a key role in helping students engage positively with education and develop socially, emotionally, and academically.

Key Responsibilities
* Support students in lessons, interventions, and structured activities
* Provide one-to-one and small group support tailored to individual needs
* Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and engagement in learning
* Help create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment
* Support students with social skills, communication, and independence
* Assist teachers with classroom preparation and learning resources
* Monitor and record student progress, behaviour, and wellbeing
* Work collaboratively with staff, parents/carers, and external professionals

The Ideal Candidate Will:
* Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, autism, ADHD, or behavioural needs
* Be patient, empathetic, and resilient
* Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
* Be able to remain calm and adaptable in challenging situations
* Be committed to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing
* Have a positive and proactive approach to supporting vulnerable learners

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the powerto transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring inthe classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.

Our values - opportunity, integrity, community, and equity - guide everything we do. Our vision is *"Opening doors to the world through the power of learning."
* We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.

We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary,and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships,talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staffto thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vitalrole in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join ourteam.
*** Together, let's make the remarkable happen.
****** We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
***** Our Special Schools
** are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding,…