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SEN Teaching Assistant – SEN School (Post-16, Autism & Complex Communication)

Location: Leeds (easily commutable from Wakefield, Dewsbury & surrounding areas)
Pay: £101.40 – £120 per day
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
Start Date: ASAP

Make a Real Difference for Post-16 Learners with Autism & Complex Needs

Are you passionate about supporting young adults with complex communication needs, autism, and additional learning challenges? We’re recruiting a SEN Teaching Assistant for a forward-thinking SEN school in Leeds, working with secondary to post-16 students.

This is a highly rewarding role for someone committed to helping learners build confidence, independence, and essential life skills, preparing them for life beyond school.

About this role

You would be delivering an individualised, experiential curriculum for learners with Autism and complex communication needs, focusing on:

Communication development using Total Communication strategies and the Engagement Model

Independence, life skills, and community inclusion

Health, wellbeing, and emotional regulation

Experiential, sensory-based learning in familiar, structured environments

Planning is holistic and needs-led, with EHCP outcomes central to all activities

A mix of adult-led and learner-initiated sessions ensures engagement and meaningful progress

Some learners may access integrated enrichment from the Connect Pathway

What You’ll Be Doing

Supporting learners 1:1 or in small groups with autism and complex communication needs

Assisting with the delivery of structured, experiential learning activities

Helping pupils develop independence, confidence, and functional communication

Supporting emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviours

Using sensory strategies and communication tools (Makaton, PECS, symbols) to enhance engagement

Collaborating with teachers, therapists, and senior staff to deliver individualised learning plans

Team Teach experience is desirable but not essential

What We’re Looking For

Experience supporting learners with SEND, autism, or communication challenges

A calm, patient, and empathetic approach

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Commitment to a full-time, term-time position (Monday–Friday, 8:30–3:30)

Open to candidates with backgrounds in SEN, youth work, social care, psychology, criminology, or support work

Why Join Us

Competitive pay: £101.40 – £120 per day

Long-term, full-time role in a supportive, highly specialised SEN setting

Ongoing CPD and training, including communication strategies, sensory regulation, and behaviour support

Work in a structured, nurturing environment with experienced staff

Make a tangible impact on learners’ independence, communication, and life skills

Ideal For

Experienced Learning Support Assistants

Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Education, or related fields

Support workers looking to transition into education

Anyone passionate about autism, communication, and post-16 SEND provision

Apply Today

If you’re ready to transform lives and support secondary to post-16 learners to reach their full potential, we’d love to hear from you.

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INLDS