Education Support Worker - SEND Post 16


Company:	Hazel Tree Education Recruitment
Salary:	Meets national minimum wage
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Leigh
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	6 Nov 2026
Closing date:	6 Dec 2026

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Summary

Hazel Tree Education is supporting a SEND college to find a caring, patient and dedicated Education Support Assistant to join a specialist college setting in Leigh.

This is a temporary position but has the opportunities to continue throughout the entire academic year.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within the college’s nurture group, supporting learners with very complex needs. The role would suit someone who is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers, develop new skills and achieve their individual potential.

This is a highly rewarding position where no two days are the same. You'll be working as part of a supportive team, providing consistent, individualised support to learners who require a high level of assistance throughout the day.

Mon-Friday, 8:30- 3:30

The Role

As an Education Support Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

Providing dedicated 1:1 and small-group support to learners with complex additional needs.

Supporting learners with communication, interaction and social development.

Helping individuals access personalised learning activities tailored to their abilities and needs.

Supporting emotional regulation, wellbeing and positive behaviour.

Using creative and practical approaches to encourage engagement and participation.

Supporting the development of independence and essential everyday life skills.

Providing personal care where required.

Supporting learners with sensory needs and helping to create a safe, calm and structured environment.

Working closely with teaching staff and other professionals to ensure each learner receives consistent support.

Celebrating individual achievements, no matter how big or small.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about supporting individuals with additional needs.

You might have experience as a:

SEN Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant.

Education Support Worker.

Residential Support Worker.

Children’s care Assistant or Healthcare Assistant.

Support Worker within a specialist setting.

Behaviour Mentor or Autism Support Worker.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is:

Patient, nurturing and compassionate.

Resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations.

Confident adapting their approach to meet individual needs.

Understanding of complex needs, autism, communication difficulties and sensory needs.

A positive team player with excellent communication skills.

Committed to helping young people develop confidence, skills and independence.

Previous experience supporting individuals with complex needs is highly desirable.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a specialist post-16 environment where supporting independence and preparing young people for adulthood is a key part of the provision.

What Hazel Tree Education can offer you:

Competitive rates of pay – all pay rates quoted are inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay; rates are dependent on experience and teacher pay scale where applicable

A generous refer-a-friend or colleague bonus scheme

Pension contributions, subject to a qualifying period

Full compliance with the Agency Workers’ Regulations (AWR), ensuring fair pay and working conditions

PAYE only – no umbrella companies

In-house training developed and delivered by a qualified teacher, ensuring relevant and focused support

About Hazel Tree Education

To find out more about Hazel Tree Education and why we are a first-choice agency for education staff and schools, please visit www.hazel-tree.co.uk or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Hazel Tree Education is an education-specific recruitment organisation specialising in short-term, temporary and flexible supply work across mainstream schools and alternative provisions throughout the North West.

Hazel Tree Education, and the settings we work with, are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be expected to uphold professional standards and adhere to safeguarding policies in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

As part of our safer recruitment and due diligence processes, successful applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and may be subject to online searches in accordance with our safeguarding obligations.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Interested?

If you're passionate about supporting children who need a little more from the adults around them and want to make a genuine difference to their school experience, we'd love to hear from you.

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