Children's Support Worker
Children's Support Worker Location: Shirebrook, Derbyshire Start Date: ASAP Contract: Full-time, Long-Term (Temp-to-Perm Opportunity) Working Days: Monday to Friday, Term Time Only Working Hours: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Long Term Futures is seeking a compassionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated Children's Support Worker to join a welcoming Special Educational Needs (SEN) School in Shirebrook. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs, helping them develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills.
The school supports pupils aged 4-19 years old, with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These may include Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, and complex additional needs.
Previous school-based experience is NOT essential. We welcome applications from candidates who have supported children or young people with special educational needs in other environments, including residential care, children's services, respite care, community support, or similar settings.
The successful candidate will be patient, nurturing, and adaptable, with a genuine passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people.
You will need a DBS on the update service or be happy to apply for a new DBS.
About the Role Working alongside experienced teachers, teaching assistants, and the wider SEN support team, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to children and young people aged 4-19 with additional needs
- Supporting pupils to access learning activities tailored to their individual abilities and requirements
- Encouraging independence, confidence, and the development of essential life skills
- Supporting pupils with communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation
- Building positive, trusting relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries
- Supporting children with personal care and daily living activities where required
- Using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies when necessary
- Following individual support plans and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Helping pupils engage positively with classroom activities and the wider school environment
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to support pupil development
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Essential: Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs or disabilities
- School-based experience is NOT required - candidates from care, residential, respite, or community support backgrounds are encouraged to apply
- Experience supporting individuals with ASC, ADHD, learning disabilities, or complex needs would be advantageous
- Patient, compassionate, and resilient, with a nurturing approach
- Confident supporting children and young people with varying communication and learning needs
- Able to build strong, trusting relationships with pupils
- Comfortable adapting to the individual needs of children across different age groups
- Reliable, proactive, and committed to a full-time, long-term position
- Passionate about helping children and young people achieve positive outcomes
Why Work with Long Term Futures?
- Monday to Friday, term-time-only position offering an excellent work-life balance
- Consistent working hours: 8:30am - 3:30pm
- Temp-to-perm opportunity, with successful candidates able to secure a permanent contract with the school
- Opportunity to transition from a care or support background into specialist education
- Weekly pay through a straightforward digital system during your agency placement
- Free CPD opportunities, including Autism Awareness, Safeguarding, SEND, Behaviour Management, and Positive Handling
- Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant throughout your placement
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to children and young people with additional needs
Next Steps Apply today with your CV, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Elliott at Long Term Futures to discuss the opportunity further.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Children's Support Worker looking to move into a school environment, enjoy consistent term-time working hours, and build a rewarding long-term career within specialist education.
Remember: You do not need previous school experience to apply. If you have experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs, we would love to hear from you.
Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.