SEND Teaching Assistant - Specialist School (Autism & Complex Needs)

SEND Teaching Assistant - Specialist School (Autism & Complex Needs)

Are you passionate about making a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people with additional needs?

Engage Education is recruiting a SEND Teaching Assistant to work across Leeds. This outstanding specialist setting supports pupils aged 5-19 with a wide range of complex learning needs, including Autism, severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), communication needs, and complex medical needs.

About the school

The school provides an inclusive, nurturing and highly personalised education for pupils with complex needs. Staff work closely with therapists, families and multidisciplinary teams to help every young person develop academically, socially and emotionally.

The school focuses on developing:

• Communication and interaction skills
• Independence and life skills
• Emotional wellbeing
• Functional literacy and numeracy
• Preparation for adulthood and future independence

Every achievement is celebrated, no matter how small.

Your role

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
• Help pupils with Autism, SLD, PMLD, communication needs and complex learning difficulties
• Support pupils with personal development, independence and life skills
• Assist with communication using visual supports, Makaton, PECS or AAC (training provided where appropriate)
• Encourage positive behaviour through consistent routines and personalised support strategies
• Assist pupils with sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing
• Support classroom activities alongside teachers and therapists
• Help deliver personalised learning programmes and interventions
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and families

Who would be perfect for this role?

We welcome applications from people who are caring, patient and eager to learn, including:

• Psychology or Education graduates
• Health & Social Care students
• Teaching Assistants looking to gain a recognised qualification
• Support workers or care assistants
• Youth workers
• Nursery practitioners
• Sports coaches
• Anyone looking to begin a rewarding career in SEND education

All applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS certificate. Full support will be provided throughout the application process.