SEN Hydrotherapy Teaching Assistant

Not every classroom has four walls, sometimes the most powerful learning happens in the water.

A specialist school in the Sunderland area is looking for a Hydrotherapy Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, Autism and complex physical needs
.

Pupils at the provision range from ages 7–16 and follow highly personalised learning programmes designed to support communication, movement and independence.

Hydrotherapy sessions form a vital part of this support.

The school is looking for someone supportive, reliable and eager to work in a specialist SEN environment.

Ideal candidates will be:

• Compassionate and patient
• Comfortable working closely with pupils who require physical support
• Confident in working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Interested in supporting therapy-based learning

Staff are expected to engage positively with pupils and encourage participation in all activities.

Previous SEN or care experience is helpful but not essential
.

The school is happy to appoint candidates on a trainee teaching assistant scale
, allowing individuals with the right attitude to learn the role through hands‑on experience.

Training will be provided in:

• Hydrotherapy safety procedures
• Personal care support
• Communication techniques
• Behaviour support strategies

During hydrotherapy sessions you will:

• Support pupils entering and exiting the pool safely
• Assist physiotherapists with therapeutic exercises
• Encourage pupils to participate in movement activities
• Help monitor pupil comfort and safety during sessions
• Support pupils with relaxation and water confidence

Hydrotherapy sessions often improve physical mobility and emotional wellbeing.

When not supporting hydrotherapy sessions, you will assist within the classroom.

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting sensory learning sessions
• Assisting pupils during interactive lessons
• Supporting communication devices and visual aids
• Encouraging engagement in group activities
• Helping pupils transition between activities

Students typically arrive between 8:30am and 9:00am
.

Support staff assist with:

• Morning transitions and settling routines
• Classroom learning activities
• Hydrotherapy sessions scheduled throughout the day

Students leave mid‑afternoon, with staff remaining briefly for preparation and progress updates.

The provision has been designed specifically for pupils with complex needs.

Facilities include:

• Specialist hydrotherapy pool
• Sensory integration rooms
• Therapy support spaces
• Small class sizes with high staff ratios

The environment is calm, structured and supportive.

If you are passionate about supporting pupils with complex needs and would like to gain experience in specialist SEN education, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to learn more about this Hydrotherapy Teaching Assistant role in Sunderland
.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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