Sensory Support Worker - Specialist School, Poole

We are looking for compassionate, patient and dedicated Sensory Support Workers to join a specialist school in Poole. The school supports pupils aged 2-19 with a wide range of complex needs, including:

Autism
Sensory Processing and Integration Difficulties
Communication Differences
Complex Developmental Delay
Physical Disabilities
Complex Medical Needs
Emotional and Mental Health Needs
Sensory and Physical DisabilitiesYour Role as a Sensory Support Worker

You will play a key part in supporting pupils' sensory, emotional and communication needs by:

Providing 1:1 or small‑group sensory support to help pupils regulate and engage
Using sensory strategies, communication aids and visual supports
Supporting pupils with personal care and medical routines (training provided)
Working closely with teachers, therapists and wider support teams
Promoting emotional wellbeing, independence and positive behaviour
Responding calmly and adaptively to sensory overload, distress or changes in routine
Helping create sensory‑friendly learning spaces and activitiesContract Details

Location: Poole
Role: Sensory Support Worker
Setting: Specialist SEN School
Start: ASAP
Contract: Full‑time, Monday-Friday
The school also welcomes applications from supply staff available for day‑to‑day, short‑term or long‑term cover
Pay: £14.96 per hour
Hours: 08:45 - 15:30Experience, Training and Qualifications

We welcome applicants from education, care, residential, therapy or medical backgrounds.

You will need:

Experience supporting children or young people with SEN or complex needs
Understanding of autism, sensory processing needs, communication differences or PMLD
GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths
Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships
Empathy, patience and emotional intelligence
The ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to individual needsPersonal Qualities

We are looking for individuals who are:

Warm, patient and nurturing
Resilient and calm in challenging situations
Able to work collaboratively and independently
Passionate about supporting pupils with sensory and complex needs
Committed to helping every child feel safe, understood and successfulEligibility

Right to Work in the UK
Enhanced child‑barred list DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
Professional references covering the last 24 monthsWhat We Offer

Free accredited CPD, including sensory needs, SEN, safeguarding and behaviour training
Ongoing support from an experienced education teamPlease note, due to high volume of responses, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted