Education Support Worker jobs

Help young people discover their potential. Build a career that makes a difference.

Imagine being part of the moment a young person finds a new way to communicate, achieves something they once thought impossible or takes an exciting step towards greater independence.

At Sense College Peterborough, these are the moments that make every day meaningful.

We're looking for a passionate, creative and enthusiastic Education Support Worker to join our team, supporting young people with complex disabilities to develop their confidence, independence and life skills.

This is more than a support role. It's an opportunity to make education accessible, celebrate individual achievements and develop specialist skills in a rewarding learning environment.

About the role

• Location: Sense College Peterborough, 50 Forder Way, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8JB

• Salary: £14.00 per hour

• Hours: 28 hours per week, across four days

• Working pattern: 39 weeks per year

• Contract: Permanent

What will you be doing?

Every learner has their own interests, abilities and ambitions. You'll work alongside experienced education colleagues to create engaging, personalised learning experiences that help each young person achieve their goals.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting learners to develop communication, independence, confidence and practical life skills.

• Helping deliver creative, accessible learning activities tailored to individual needs and aspirations.

• Finding imaginative ways to adapt teaching approaches, activities and resources so every learner can participate.

• Supporting learners to work towards the outcomes in their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

• Encouraging the use of assistive technology and accessible approaches to developing English and maths skills.

• Building positive relationships with learners, encouraging choice, self-expression and participation.

• Supporting personal care needs where required, always promoting dignity, independence and wellbeing.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to monitor progress, celebrate achievements and identify new opportunities for learning.

Whether it's helping someone master a new skill, express a preference or participate more confidently in an activity, you'll play an important part in helping learners realise what they're capable of.

Develop your skills and grow your career

At Sense, we believe learning shouldn't stop with the people we support.

Joining our education team means having opportunities to develop your own knowledge, build specialist skills and grow your confidence in supporting young people with complex needs.

You'll have opportunities to:

• Develop specialist SEND knowledge, including different approaches to communication, inclusive learning and supporting learners with complex disabilities.

• Learn from experienced education professionals, gaining practical experience in delivering personalised learning activities.

• Work towards a Level 3 teaching support qualification, helping you build your professional knowledge and skills.

• Access continuing professional development (CPD) to strengthen your practice and keep learning throughout your career.

• Explore external professional development opportunities, including relevant education events and learning activities.

Whether you're looking to build on your existing experience or take your first steps towards a longer-term career in specialist education, you'll be supported to keep developing.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who sees possibilities, not limitations, and believes every learner deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential.

You'll bring:

• A compassionate, patient and positive approach to supporting young people with additional learning needs.

• A good standard of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to Level 2.

• An understanding of person-centred support and the importance of individual learning goals.

• Creativity, adaptability and a willingness to explore different ways of helping learners engage.

• The ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues.

• A commitment to maintaining accurate records and supporting learners to make progress.

• A willingness to provide personal care where needed.

• An enthusiasm for developing your skills and working towards a Level 3 teaching support qualification.

Experience in specialist education, supporting people with complex disabilities or using alternative communication methods would be an advantage.

Qualifications in health and social care, teaching support or British Sign Language would also be welcome.

You don't need to know everything on day one. What matters is your commitment to inclusive education, your willingness to learn and your determination to help young people succeed.

Why join Sense?

At Sense College Peterborough, you'll be part of a team that recognises every learner as an individual and celebrates progress in all its forms.

You'll have the opportunity to develop valuable professional skills, learn alongside experienced colleagues and make a meaningful difference to young people's lives.

You'll also have access to Sense's wider employee benefits, including learning and development opportunities, wellbeing support, pension provision and employee discounts, subject to eligibility.

About Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life.

Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and a charity where people can grow their skills and careers in a supportive, flexible environment.

Our values guide everything we do:

• We're creating change.

• We're always learning.

• We're better together.

Ready to make a difference?

If you're passionate about helping young people develop their independence, discover new possibilities and achieve their goals, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please complete our application form and supporting statement, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact our Recruitment Team on 0121 393 4529 or email recruitment@sense.org.uk.

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and other relevant pre-employment checks.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from disabled people and people from underrepresented ethnic minority communities.

No agency submissions without prior authorisation.