sen teaching assistant.

£90 - £95 per day

Bury St Edmunds

Are you a proactive, empathetic, and exceptionally skilled Classroom Support Assistant looking for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role within a thriving Special Educational Needs (SEN) environment in the beautiful town of Bury St Edmunds?

Do you bring significant experience supporting students who have profound and complex needs, including those with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties), complex medical needs, and physical disabilities?

Are you seeking a secure, long-term position, potentially leading to a permanent contract, within a supportive school that prioritises collaborative working, professional development, and staff well-being?

If you are driven by the opportunity to make a tangible and positive difference in the daily lives and developmental milestones of students with the highest level of need, then this immediate opening is designed for your expertise!

The Opportunity:

We are actively seeking a highly compassionate, dedicated, and adaptable Specialist Classroom Support Assistant to become a key member of a well-established team at a specialist provision near Bury St Edmunds. This position is offered on a supply or long-term contract basis, with a strong view to a permanent appointment for the right candidate.

This role requires a dedicated approach to holistic support. You will operate under the direction of the Class Teacher and in close liaison with medical and therapy staff. Your responsibilities will encompass preparing the specialised learning areas, managing resources, and predominantly providing intensive, person-centred support. This involves actively implementing complex strategies outlined in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), assisting with mobility, specialist feeding techniques, complex personal care, and utilising AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices to facilitate communication and engagement, ensuring every student has access to a rich and meaningful curriculum.

Key Aspects of the Role

• Deliver expert, one-to-one or small-group support, focusing on meeting the highly personalised educational and therapeutic targets set within student EHCPs.
• Collaborate with the teacher on setting up specialist equipment, adapting resources, and maintaining a stimulating, safe, and accessible learning environment.
• Provide comprehensive personal and intimate care, including manual handling, hoisting, and feeding assistance, always maintaining high standards of clinical cleanliness and student dignity.
• Skilfully apply complex positive behaviour support strategies and facilitate student communication using appropriate technological or low-tech aids.
• Accurately track student progress, health observations, and behaviour data, reporting diligently to clinical and teaching staff.
• Actively contribute to a positive school culture and strictly adhere to all school safeguarding and health and safety policies, particularly concerning physical needs.

Candidate Requirements (Essential)

• Extensive, demonstrable experience working as a Teaching Assistant or Healthcare Assistant, specifically supporting individuals with PMLD, complex medical needs, and/or physical disabilities.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 3 TA, Health & Social Care background, or demonstrable competency in complex care).
• Proven capability in complex manual handling and familiarity with specialist mobility equipment (e.g., hoists).
• Exceptional levels of empathy, professionalism, resilience, and a genuine passion for supporting the most vulnerable learners.
• Practical knowledge of AAC devices (e.g., eye gaze) and/or other communication methodologies.
• A current and clean Enhanced Child DBS on the Update Service is required (immediate processing necessary if not held).

Benefits of Joining Our Team

• An excellent and competitive daily pay rate of £90 - £95, paid reliably.
• The chance to work within a specialist, highly-resourced, and supportive team in the Bury St Edmunds locality.
• Consistent professional development opportunities focused on complex SEN and medical support.
• A deeply impactful role offering the unparalleled satisfaction of improving a child's quality of life and learning outcomes.
• £300 Friend Referral Bonus

How to Apply :

If you are a dedicated and supportive individual ready to make a difference in a school setting, please apply immediately with your CV or contact Neeraj at neeraj.kommaravalli@randstad.co.uk for more information.

We are the UK market leader for recruitment in education. We have nearly two decades of experience helping teachers and support staff find temporary and permanent roles in schools, colleges, and nurseries. We partner with over 2,500 schools each week, supporting more than 135,000 children every day across the country, which allows us to find the right match for your skills.