Learning Support Assistant – SEN (Trauma-Informed Practice)

Salary/Rate:Contract
Job type:Contract
Town/City:West Suffolk
County:Suffolk
Role:Support Staff
Job ref:179
Post Date:08.12.25
Scroll

About the Role

Learning Support Assistant - SEN - (Trauma-Informed Practice)
Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00
Salary: £14.30 - £16 per hour, depending on experience
Contract: Ongoing temporary with potential for permanent placement

Inspire, Support, and Empower Every Day

We are looking for a dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist SEN school near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. This is an ideal role for someone passionate about helping young people with additional needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism, and trauma-related challenges. Using trauma-informed practice, you will help pupils feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.

This role offers the chance to make a real impact on children’s lives every day.

About the Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will support students in small classes of up to 10 pupils. Working alongside teachers and therapists, you will help create a calm, nurturing, and structured environment using trauma-informed strategies. Your support will enable pupils to build confidence, regulate emotions, and make meaningful progress.

Key Responsibilities

Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils to create a sense of safety and belonging.
Use trauma-informed practices to support emotional regulation and reduce anxiety or distress.
Model positive behaviour, communication, and consistency throughout the school day.
Adapt learning resources and strategies to support individual needs.
Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCO, and therapists to deliver personalised support plans.
Encourage independence and confidently celebrate progress, however small.
Promote resilience, wellbeing, and self-esteem through patience, structure, and encouragement.

What We’re Looking For

GCSE Maths and English Language (Grade 4/C or equivalent) essential.
Experience or understanding of working with children with SEMH, Autism, or trauma backgrounds.
Awareness of trauma-informed practice and de-escalation strategies.
A calm, empathetic, and proactive approach to supporting challenging behaviour.
Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Must be able to commute to Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Why Join Us?

A supportive and inclusive SEN school community that values every staff member.
Access to over 20 free CPD courses, including trauma-informed practice and behaviour management.
Weekly PAYE pay with no umbrella deductions.
Dedicated consultant support and clear opportunities for career progression.
A meaningful and rewarding career where every day makes a difference.

About Our Partner School

Our partner SEN school near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk supports children with complex needs, including SEMH and Autism. The school offers a nurturing, trauma-informed environment with small class sizes, a strong multi-disciplinary team, and a commitment to helping every child grow emotionally, socially, and academically. Staff work collaboratively to ensure each pupil feels safe, understood, and empowered to achieve their potential.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspire EHC and our partner school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must have or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS and provide two professional references. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Next Steps

If you are ready to make a meaningful difference and bring a trauma-informed, compassionate approach to supporting young people, apply today to become a Learning Support Assistant in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Help create a safe, engaging environment where every child can rebuild confidence, achieve their goals, and thrive.

More jobs from this recruiter

View All

SEND Teacher

West Suffolk
Suffolk
£190 - £250/day dependant on experience
SEND Teacher – Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Salary: £190 - £250/day dependant on experience Start Date: Jan 2026 or as soon as possible Are you a dynamic and passionate teacher looking for an exciting new challenge in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk? We are seeking an experienced SEND Teacher to join our partner school, supporting students with PMLD and SLD needs. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the curriculum, inspire learners, and make a lasting impact on children’s lives. About the Role – SEND Teacher Bury St Edmunds As a SEND Teacher, you will deliver high-quality, personalised learning to students with profound and severe learning difficulties. You will be part of a supportive team dedicated to ensuring every child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. This role is ideal for forward-thinking teachers who are motivated by school improvement and passionate about developing teaching practices and curriculum design. Key Responsibilities Deliver engaging lessons tailored to the needs of students with PMLD and SLD. Create an enabling, stimulating learning environment where all students can access resources appropriately. Ensure access to a broad, balanced, and relevant curriculum differentiated for individual needs. Apply evidence-based teaching strategies to develop a love of learning and independence in students. Design tasks and activities that relate to real-life experiences, supporting whole-class, small-group, and self-initiated learning. Share good practice with colleagues and contribute to the professional development of the team. Support curriculum enrichment and extended school activities. Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, and GDPR guidelines. Requirements Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Experience teaching students with SEND, PMLD, or SLD. Passionate about developing learning characteristics and resilience in students. Creative, flexible, and able to take on challenges with a positive approach. Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and SEND strategies. Commitment to professional development and CPD opportunities. What We Offer Comprehensive staff induction and ongoing support. Access to a bespoke CPD package tailored to your needs. Wide-ranging staff benefits and wellbeing support. Opportunities for career progression within the school and wider Trust. Personalised performance management to support growth. Safeguarding and Equality Our partner school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which may include social media checks. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Apply Today If you are a highly motivated, forward-thinking SEND Teacher ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, we want to hear from you. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of students with PMLD and SLD and help drive curriculum development and school improvement.

Outreach SEN HLTA

East Suffolk
Suffolk
£21,752 to £25,424
🚀Outreach SEN HLTA – Norfolk/Suffolk Location: Based near Great Yarmouth with travel across East Norfolk/Suffolk Hours: Full-Time, Term Time Only Pay: £21,752 to £25,424 Start Date: Jan 2026 or as soon as possible Contract Type: Permanent Are you a confident and caring Outreach SEN HLTA ready to make a difference beyond the classroom? This is your opportunity to join a therapeutic school based near Great Yarmouth and provide vital support to young people with SEMH needs across Norfolk/Suffolk. This unique Outreach SEN HLTA role is ideal for someone passionate about inclusion, mental health, and helping students overcome challenges to re-engage with education. You’ll travel throughout east Norfolk/Suffolk delivering high-impact interventions in homes, schools, and outreach centres. Why this Outreach SEN HLTA role is unique: Work flexibly across a variety of settings to meet complex SEMH needs Be part of a school that puts relationships, trust, and emotional well-being first Travel across Norfolk/Suffolk, making a difference where it’s most needed Join a warm, supportive staff team who treat each other like family Take ownership of creative, personalised interventions as an Outreach SEN HLTA Key Responsibilities: Provide consistent 1:1 and small group support to children with SEMH needs Act as a lead support worker in various outreach environments across Norfolk/Suffolk Help pupils build resilience, confidence and engagement through therapeutic approaches Collaborate with teachers, therapists and families to develop student progress plans Support long-term reintegration into structured education settings 🎓 What we’re looking for: HLTA qualification or substantial SEN experience (especially with SEMH needs) Experience working in outreach or community-based education A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel across Norfolk/Suffolk Independence, creativity and the confidence to work flexibly A calm, empathetic, and resilient approach to supporting children with SEMH needs Someone who can bring humour, humanity and hope into the day-to-day life of an Outreach SEN HLTA Why join Inspire EHC as an Outreach SEN HLTA? Personal consultant to support your progress and well-being Access to over 20 free CPD courses related to SEN and SEMH needs Support with permanent placements in the Norfolk/Suffolk education sector Clear, reliable PAYE pay every week Be part of a recruitment agency that values inclusion, safeguarding and professional growth 💼 About Inspire EHC At Inspire EHC, we specialise in education and SEND recruitment, working closely with specialist schools across Norfolk and Suffolk. We’re proud to support settings that put student well-being at the centre and offer real career progression opportunities for passionate new graduates. Important information: All applicants will be subject to a full vetting process including enhanced DBS checks, referencing and safeguarding training, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Please note we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Apply now Start making a difference in east Norfolk/Suffolk. If you're an experienced Outreach SEN HLTA ready to support children with SEMH needs in a flexible and therapeutic way, we want to hear from you. Send your CV to our friendly team to arrange a visit or discuss your experience in confidence.

Residential Support Worker - Paternity Cover

East Suffolk
Suffolk
£15.35 - £18.20 per hour dependant on experience
Residential Support Worker – Short-Term Paternity Cover Location: Lowestoft area Rate of Pay: £15.35 - £18.20 per hour dependant on experience Start: Mid January - End of March 2026 (fixed-term paternity cover, exact dates to be confirmed) Hours: Residential shift work supporting pupils aged 7 - 16 with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs Opportunity: Potential for longer-term employment for the right candidate About the Setting This specialist day and residential provision supports children and young people aged 7 - 16 who have a range of learning difficulties and additional needs. The school provides a safe, nurturing environment that helps pupils build confidence, independence, and social skills. Staff work as a close-knit team to promote inclusion, wellbeing, and achievement for every learner. The Role As a Residential Support Worker, you will: Provide care and support for pupils in the residential setting, including daily routines, social interaction, and emotional wellbeing. Work closely with educational and residential staff to create a positive, supportive atmosphere that complements the school’s ethos. Encourage independence and positive behaviour, helping pupils develop essential life and social skills. Maintain a safe, structured, and caring environment at all times. You Will Bring Experience or a strong interest in working with children or young people, ideally in a residential, educational, or care environment. A caring, patient, and resilient approach, with the ability to build positive relationships. Flexibility to work shifts (including evenings and overnights). A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and supporting young people to reach their potential. Why Join? Work in a well-established, high-quality specialist provision rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted. Join a supportive, values-driven team passionate about improving young lives. Access ongoing training and the chance of a longer-term position for the right person. Earn a competitive hourly rate of £15.35 - £18.20. Comprehensive staff support and development programme. Opportunities to progress within a growing special education setting. Chance to work with a highly motivated and collaborative team. Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the academic and personal development of pupils. Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must complete an Enhanced DBS check, provide two professional references and demonstrate right to work in the UK. The school is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

History Teacher

East Norfolk
Norfolk
MPS + SEN
History/ PHSE Teacher (SEN – Secondary) Location: Great Yarmouth & Lowestoft (50:50 split) Start Date: Jan 2026 | Contract: Permanent | Hours: 35 - 40 per week Salary: Main Pay Scale Bring History and/or PHSE to Life for Learners Who Need It Most Are you a creative and committed History and /or PHSE Teacher who believes every child deserves to feel inspired by the past? Whether you're an experienced specialist or an early career teacher passionate about inclusive education, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of history learning for students with special educational needs. Join a dynamic and expanding school that supports young people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, the school is entering a period of exciting growth; this is your chance to be part of something transformational. The Role You’ll deliver engaging and accessible history and/or PHSE lessons to Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 learners across two campuses in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. With small class sizes, a movement-based learning philosophy, and strong wraparound support, this is a role where creativity and connection are central to success. Lessons are designed to awaken curiosity, encourage exploration, and make historical concepts relevant and memorable for diverse learners. Key Responsibilities Teach a rich and adaptable History and/ or PHSE curriculum that meets a variety of SEN needs Use movement, creativity, and hands on approaches to bring history to life Support pupils’ academic, emotional, and social development within a trauma-informed environment Collaborate closely with clinical, pastoral, and educational teams across both sites Tailor content to individual needs, ensuring progress against EHCP targets What Makes This School Stand Out A fully creative and flexible curriculum built around curiosity and self-expression Physical activity embedded into 50% of the school day to support neurodivergent learners A trauma-informed and non-restraint approach to behaviour management Small class sizes (maximum 10 students) with high staff - to - pupil ratios Onsite therapeutic and pastoral services to meet holistic learner needs What We’re Looking For Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or QTLS Experience in mainstream or SEN settings (history teaching preferred) Confident in differentiating content for learners with EHCPs and additional needs Ability to build trust and engagement with students who may have struggled in traditional classrooms Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential for travel between campuses) What You’ll Gain A chance to join a purpose-driven school focused on growth and inclusion Tailored CPD and professional development opportunities A positive, collaborative school culture that supports staff wellbeing Support from a dedicated Inspire EHC consultant throughout your journey Clear pathways for progression within a forward-thinking educational community Apply Now If you’re ready to teach history and/or PHSE in a setting where innovation, movement, and relationships are key, we’d love to hear from you. Help us redefine what education can look like for young people with additional needs and discover how rewarding teaching can truly be. Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities Inspire EHC and our partner school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and two independent references. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Please note: We are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship.