SENSA (Special Education Needs Support Assistant)

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 power

to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in

the 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 staff

to 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