SEND Learning & Inclusion Assistant
| Company: | senploy |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £90 to £100 a day |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | EX4 3QR |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 30 Sept 2026 |
| Closing date: | 27 Oct 2026 |
Summary
Location: Exeter, Devon
Contract: Full-Time | Term-Time Only
Start Date: January
For some children and young people, getting through the school day requires far more than simply understanding the work in front of them.
Noise can become overwhelming. Changes to routine can create anxiety. Communication can be difficult, and frustration can sometimes appear as withdrawal or challenging behaviour.
The right support can completely change that experience.
We're looking for a SEND Learning & Inclusion Assistant to join a specialist education setting in Exeter from January, supporting pupils who need a more individualised approach to learning.
This is a hands-on role where you'll help pupils feel secure, participate in education and gradually develop greater confidence and independence.
You'll work alongside teaching and specialist staff to provide personalised support based on each pupil's individual strengths and needs.
The children and young people you support may have needs including:
Autism (ASC) • ADHD • SEMH • Communication Needs • Moderate Learning Difficulties
Rather than expecting every pupil to learn in the same way, you'll help find approaches that work for them.
Your responsibilities could include:
- Providing individual and small-group learning support.
- Helping pupils engage with lessons and structured activities.
- Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable stages.
- Using visual prompts and alternative communication approaches where appropriate.
- Supporting pupils to understand routines and prepare for changes.
- Recognising signs of anxiety, frustration or sensory overload.
- Helping pupils develop strategies for emotional regulation.
- Encouraging appropriate communication and social interaction.
- Reinforcing positive behaviour and celebrating progress.
- Supporting independence rather than completing tasks for pupils.
- Working closely with teachers, therapists and other support professionals.
- Recording observations and contributing to discussions around pupil progress.
- Supporting learning and activities beyond the classroom when required.
Experience within SEND or specialist education would be valuable, but we're also interested in people whose previous work has given them the patience, resilience and communication skills needed for this type of role.
Your background might include work as a:
SEND Teaching Assistant • Learning Support Assistant • Support Worker • Behaviour Mentor • Youth Worker • Care Worker
You'll need to be someone who can remain calm when a pupil is struggling and understand that progress doesn't always happen quickly.
We're looking for people who are:
- Patient, dependable and consistent.
- Confident building trusting relationships.
- Able to maintain appropriate boundaries.
- Comfortable adapting their communication style.
- Resilient when situations become challenging.
- Encouraging while maintaining realistic expectations.
- Observant and able to recognise changes in behaviour.
- Happy working collaboratively as part of a wider team.
You'll need to drive and have access to your own vehicle, due to the location and requirements of the role.
An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one, will also be required.
This is a full-time, term-time role starting in January and offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience working directly with children and young people with SEND.
You'll benefit from:
- Competitive rates of pay.
- Long-term work within specialist education.
- Training and continued professional development.
- Experience supporting a range of additional needs.
- The opportunity to work alongside experienced education professionals.
- Practical experience that could support a longer-term career within SEND, education or pastoral support.
You won't always see progress in huge leaps.
Sometimes it will be a pupil completing an activity they previously avoided. Managing a transition more calmly. Communicating what they need. Or attempting something independently for the first time.
Those small steps can be significant.
If you're looking for a SEND support role in Exeter starting in January, apply today with your CV.