Classroom Support Assistant

We are currently recruiting for a Classroom Support Assistant to work within a specialist SEN school in Sunderland, supporting secondary-aged students with additional needs.

The school has a strong focus on Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), so we are looking for someone who is confident, resilient and able to build positive relationships with young people who may present with challenging behaviour and complex needs.

The Role

As a Classroom Support Assistant, you will work alongside teaching staff to support students throughout the school day, helping them access learning, manage their behaviour and emotions, and develop their confidence and independence.

You will provide support within the classroom and across the wider school environment, helping to maintain a safe, structured and positive learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience working with secondary-aged students with SEN.
• Ideally has experience within an SEMH, specialist, PRU or alternative provision setting.
• Is confident and resilient when managing challenging behaviour.
• Is calm, patient and consistent.
• Can build positive and trusting relationships with young people.
• Has strong communication skills and clear professional boundaries.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Is reliable and committed to supporting young people with additional needs.
• Has a good understanding of safeguarding.

Job Responsibilities

Support teaching staff with classroom activities, provide individual and small-group support to students, assist with behaviour and emotional regulation, promote positive engagement with learning, and help maintain a safe, structured and supportive classroom environment.

Requirements

Previous experience working with secondary-aged students with SEN/SEMH needs, ideally within a specialist setting, with patience, resilience, strong behaviour-management skills and the ability to build positive relationships with young people.